Apple’s Foldable iPhone with Samsung Display: Innovative Metal Plates and Laser Drilling to Reduce Visible Creases at a High Cost

Foldable smartphone manufacturers face a formidable challenge in creating devices free from visible creases. Apple, known for its innovation, seems determined to either eliminate or minimize the visibility of such creases in its forthcoming foldable iPhone. Recent analyses suggest that Apple plans to harness Samsung’s advanced crease-free display technology. However, there’s a possibility that creases may still appear with prolonged usage. To address this issue, Apple is expected to collaborate with another supplier to deliver metal components, which will be seamlessly integrated into the device through a precision laser drilling method. Unfortunately, this complex assembly could lead to a higher retail price for the foldable iPhone.

Advanced Materials and Production Techniques for Apple’s Foldable iPhone

In a recent update shared on his Medium blog, Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst from TF International Securities, disclosed that Apple’s foldable iPhone is set to commence mass production in the latter half of 2026. Unlike previous models that utilized homegrown technologies, this device will incorporate Samsung’s top-tier OLED panels. Furthermore, the Korean firm Fine M-Tec, renowned for its expertise in constructing doors and hinges, is slated to provide metal plates designed to mitigate the stress that arises during the display’s bending. This ingenious solution aims to keep the display material within its elastic limits, thereby reducing the likelihood of unsightly creases.

However, the price tag for these enhancements is concerning. As Kuo indicated, Fine M-Tec is anticipated to begin supplying these critical metal plates in early 2026, with each unit costing between $30 and $35. In addition, the laser drilling process required for affixing these plates will add another layer of expense, also estimated at $30-$35, in stark contrast to the $20 cost associated with traditional etching methods. Given projections of millions of units for initial shipment, these additional expenses could accumulate significantly, impacting Apple’s overall production costs.

Moreover, Kuo has outlined a potential retail price for the foldable iPhone to be around $2, 000 to $2, 500, suggesting that these extensive enhancements, including the costly laser drilling, could be responsible for this high price point. In a related commentary, Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), mentioned that to effectively eliminate crease visibility, the foldable’s front glass must be both thicker and subjected to substantial chemical treatment—a process that is similarly costly. While the fine details remain ambiguous, consumers may anticipate an official launch next year, setting the stage for an innovative foldable device that promises to redefine user experience.

For more insights, visit Ming-Chi Kuo.

Source & Images