Highlights
- Apple is evaluating ultra-thin flexible glass (UFG) for its foldable iPhone to minimise display creases.
- Mature UTG solutions reportedly remain as a backup if UFG fails to meet standards.
- Foldable iPhone is expected in 2026 with a book-style design, 5.3–5.5″ outer and 7.8″ inner display, liquid metal hinges and pricing between $2,000–$2,500.
Apple is reportedly continuing internal testing of next-generation ultra-thin flexible glass (UFG) for its upcoming book-style foldable iPhone. The Cupertino giant has been looking at ways to make the foldable display crease nearly invisible. This move could help Apple address one of the most common drawbacks seen in current foldable smartphones.
Ultra-Thin Flexible Glass for iPhone Fold?
According to popular tipster Digital Chat Station on the Chinese app Weibo, Apple is evaluating UFG panels that feature uneven thickness. The folding section of the display reportedly uses thinner glass to improve flexibility, while the surrounding areas retain thicker glass to maintain strength and structural durability.
Unlike most existing foldable phones that rely on ultra-thin glass (UTG), which tends to deform around the hinge area over time, UFG is designed to spread bending stress more evenly across the display panel. This design approach could significantly reduce the visibility of the crease, potentially making it difficult to notice during everyday use.
While the timing may seem late in Apple’s development cycle, it does not necessarily point to a delay. The company is likely moving from design validation into early production validation, a stage where core hardware decisions are already finalised, but higher-risk components continue to undergo testing and qualification.
Apple’s current UFG testing could be focused on validating how the technology is implemented rather than deciding whether to adopt it at all. Reports suggest that Apple may still have more mature UTG solutions ready as a fallback if UFG does not meet its internal standards. The same report also notes that several Chinese display manufacturers are evaluating UFG-based panels, indicating that the technology may be nearing commercial readiness.
iPhone Fold – What We Know So Far?
The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a book-style form factor with an outer display measuring around 5.3 to 5.5 inches and a larger 7.8-inch inner screen. It is also rumoured to use liquid metal hinges to help achieve a nearly crease-free viewing experience.
Pricing is expected to range between $2,000 and $2,500, which would make it the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever launched. As of now, the phone is expected for a 2026 launch, when it is rumoured to debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series.
FAQs
Q1. What technology is Apple testing for its foldable iPhone display?
Answer. Apple is testing ultra-thin flexible glass (UFG) panels designed to reduce crease visibility by using thinner glass at the hinge and thicker glass elsewhere for durability.
Q2. When is the foldable iPhone expected to launch and what will it cost?
Answer. The foldable iPhone is rumoured for a 2026 launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series, with pricing expected between $2,000 and $2,500.
Q3. What are the key design details of the foldable iPhone?
Answer. It is expected to feature a book-style form factor, a 5.3–5.5 inch outer display, a 7.8 inch inner screen, and liquid metal hinges to minimise creasing.