The Folding iPhone: Is a Creaseless Display Possible?
▼ Summary
– Samsung Display revealed a new foldable OLED panel at CES that eliminates the visible crease common in current foldable phones.
– The panel was demonstrated next to a Galaxy Z Fold 7 for comparison before being removed from the exhibit.
– Samsung Display stated the panel is an R&D concept with no set timeline for commercial release.
– This technology could be used in future Samsung Galaxy foldables, like the rumored Z Fold 8 and Wide Fold.
– The crease-free display is also a candidate for a future foldable iPhone, as Samsung Display supplies Apple.
The prospect of a folding iPhone has captivated the tech world for years, with one major hurdle consistently standing in the way: the visible crease. Now, a breakthrough from a key Apple supplier suggests a future without that telltale line might be closer than we think. Samsung Display recently unveiled a prototype foldable OLED panel that appears completely free of any visible crease, a feat that could redefine the entire category of foldable smartphones.
During the CES technology showcase, the display unit was initially positioned next to a current-generation Galaxy Z Fold 7 for a direct comparison. Observers from SamMobile who saw the demonstration before it was later removed reported a stark contrast, noting the new panel “has no visible crease at all” when placed beside the existing model. This side-by-side setup was designed to highlight the dramatic visual improvement of the new technology.
While the demonstration was compelling, Samsung Display was quick to temper expectations. A company spokesperson clarified that the showcased panel is strictly a research and development concept. There is no confirmed timeline or concrete plan for bringing this specific crease-free display to market. The spokesperson did not provide a reason for the prototype’s subsequent removal from the exhibition floor, leaving its exact stage of development somewhat mysterious.
This development holds significant implications for Apple’s long-rumored entry into the foldable phone market. Multiple reports have suggested that Apple’s design philosophy demands a crease-free user experience for any potential folding iPhone. Therefore, an advanced iteration of this very Samsung Display concept could become a foundational component in Apple’s device. Furthermore, Samsung’s own future foldables, including the anticipated Galaxy Z Fold 8 and a wider “Wide Fold” model, are also likely candidates to incorporate versions of this refined panel technology, potentially creating a new generation of seamless folding screens across the industry.
(Source: The Verge)
