Rumored Apple foldable phone to address a major flaw with current foldable phones

Apple is reportedly gearing up to take on the foldable phone market with a device that could tackle a nagging issue: the visible crease in the display. Word from industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests this foldable iPhone might hit shelves in 2026, and it’s already stirring excitement with whispers of a crease-free screen.

Today’s foldable phones, like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series or Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold, often leave users with a noticeable crease where the screen bends. It’s not just a cosmetic flaw. That line can mess with your experience — think distorted text while reading or a distracting dip during videos.

For reference, here’s an image shared on Reddit that shows off the crease on the Z Fold 6:

Manufacturers have tried to smooth it out over the years. Oppo’s Find N5, for instance, has made the crease pretty subtle at certain angles. But even then, it’s still there if you look close enough. The problem comes down to the flexible materials, like plastic polymers or ultra-thin glass, and the stress from folding the screen over and over.

Apple, though, seems determined to crack this. Rumors say the company is going all-in to ditch the crease entirely. How? It might involve next-level display materials or a clever hinge design. Some reports hint that Apple could be teaming up with Samsung Display to craft OLED panels that are super thin yet tough enough to avoid creasing. If they pull it off, it’ll be a game-changer for anyone who’s held off on foldables because of that pesky line.

The phone itself sounds impressive beyond just the screen. It’s expected to sport a book-style layout, with a big 7.8-inch inner display when opened and a 5.5-inch outer one when closed. Thinness is a big deal here too — it’s rumored to be just 4.5 mm unfolded and 9.5 mm folded. That slim profile might mean no Face ID, though. Instead, Apple could bring back Touch ID via a side button. The hinge? A mix of stainless steel and titanium alloy for durability.

This won’t come cheap. The price is pegged at over $2000, positioning it as a luxury buy. Mass production is slated to kick off in late 2026, with Apple aiming to ship 3-5 million units initially. The foldable market’s been heating up, with Samsung and Huawei pushing out new models regularly. But the crease has held things back. If Apple nails a seamless display, it could raise the bar and pull more people into the foldable trend.

Featured image credits: AppleInsider