Apple iPhone Fold: Ultra-thin glass to prevent display creases
Reports indicate that Apple is testing next-generation ultra-thin flexible glass (UFG) for its upcoming book-style iPhone Fold. The goal is to make the crease in the display invisible and potentially solve one of the most persistent problems of existing foldable displays.
According to the Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station Apple is testing UFG panels with uneven thickness. Thinner glass is used in the folding area to improve flexibility, while thicker sections are retained in other areas for greater stability and durability.
Unlike conventional foldable screens based on ultra-thin glass (UTG), which inevitably warps along the hinges, UFG is designed to distribute bending stress more evenly across the entire surface. Theoretically, this approach could reduce the crease of the Apple iPhone Fold to the point where it is no longer visually perceptible in everyday use.
Apple iPhone Fold and iPhone 18 Pro in Fall 2026
The reviews are expected to continue, as Apple is fine-tuning its manufacturing processes and long-term reliability targets in the run-up to the anticipated market launch in 2026, along with the iPhone 18 Pro models.
While the timing may seem late in Apple’s development cycle, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a delay for the iPhone Fold. Apple is likely currently transitioning from design validation to early production validation, where the major hardware decisions have already been made, while riskier components continue to undergo final qualification.
Apple’s current tests of UFG may be more about validating the novel application method than making a decision about the technology’s implementation. Apple could turn to more mature UFG solutions if the targets are not met. The report also claims that several Chinese display manufacturers are evaluating UFG-based solutions, suggesting that the technology is nearing market readiness.
The Apple iPhone Fold is expected to feature a 5.3 to 5.5 inch external display and a 7.8-inch internal display. Reports indicate that Liquid metal hinges ensure a virtually wrinkle-free display. The price is expected to be between $2,000 and $2,500 (1,700 to 2,130 euros), which would make it the most expensive iPhone ever.
