The primary reason Apple’s foldable iPhone has yet to debut is the company’s disappointment with the prominent crease observable in multiple generations of competitor devices.
Earlier this year, it was suggested that Samsung had successfully addressed this issue to Apple’s satisfaction. A new report supports this, indicating that the other display partners for Apple have yet to reach similar advancements.
The Visible Crease Issue
One of the major criticisms from users and reviewers regarding existing foldable phones has been the prominent crease at the center of the unfolded display.
Reports suggest that Apple has chosen to delay its entry into the foldable market until it became technically feasible to minimize the crease to a barely noticeable level, prompting its suppliers to reassess their designs about a year ago. This was a significant challenge, especially since the leading manufacturer of folding displays, Samsung, had not yet been able to overcome this hurdle for its devices.
However, in February, we learned that Samsung had finally produced samples that met Apple’s standards.
The breakthrough was reportedly achieved through close collaboration between Samsung and Amphenol, Apple’s hinge supplier, which also produces MacBook hinges.
The capability to achieve this was demonstrated by Oppo with its Find N5. Our sister site, 9to5Google, highlighted the significant reduction in crease visibility compared to last year’s Samsung models, stating that the crease was “hard to see, even at off-angles.”
Only Samsung Has Resolved This
A recent report from BusinessKorea states that, while Samsung has met Apple’s quality criteria, neither LG nor BOE, Apple’s other display partners, have achieved the same standards. As a result, Samsung currently holds the exclusive contract.
Apple has opted to use OLED panels exclusively from Samsung Display for its first foldable iPhone, anticipated to launch in the latter half of next year. This decision represents a pivotal moment for the industry, as Samsung Display will be the sole provider, with LG Display and Chinese BOE panels excluded.
This choice emphasizes Samsung’s technological superiority in minimizing screen creases, a crucial element of foldable phone design. An insider noted, “For Apple, which prioritizes quality over cost when selecting component suppliers, Samsung was the only viable option.”
Apple generally prefers to have multiple suppliers for essential components to ensure a reliable supply chain and enhance its leverage during negotiations by comparing companies. Nevertheless, it has shown a willingness to rely on a single supplier when others fail to meet its high standards, as seen in its use of TSMC for all A-series and M-series chips following delays with Samsung.
A recent report suggested that the upcoming iPhone Fold may feature an embedded Face ID within the display, though the leaker later clarified that this functionality is still undergoing testing.
The iPhone Fold is widely anticipated to launch next year.
