The long-standing challenge of the visible crease on foldable smartphone displays may finally be reaching its end. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas, Samsung Display has showcased a revolutionary new foldable panel technology that appears to eliminate the crease entirely, a breakthrough that could redefine the user experience for future foldable devices. This development arrives at a critical juncture, as Apple is widely rumored to be preparing its first foldable iPhone for a launch later this year.
A Breakthrough Display with No Visible Crease
The new display was highlighted by reliable industry tipster Ice Universe, who shared images and details from the CES demonstration. The most striking feature is the complete absence of the characteristic vertical line that has been a hallmark of book-style foldable phones since their inception. According to the report, the panel maintains its seamless appearance even when viewed from the side, a perspective that typically accentuates the crease. Beyond the visual improvement, the technology also incorporates an under-display camera (UDC) for the main internal screen, further contributing to an uninterrupted viewing surface. The overall quality of the panel was described as "excellent," signaling a significant leap in foldable display manufacturing.
Display Technology Comparison:
- Current Foldable Displays: Feature a visible and tactile crease/groove at the fold line.
- Samsung's CES 2026 Demo: Showcases a foldable OLED with no visible crease, even from side angles. Incorporates an under-display camera (UDC). Reported to use a "laser-drilled metal plate" to enable a new folding mechanism that eliminates the crease.
The Technology Behind the Seamless Fold
While Samsung has not publicly detailed the exact mechanics, reports suggest the innovation involves a "laser-drilled metal plate" integrated into the display's structure. This component is believed to allow the screen to fold in a specific manner that distributes stress more evenly, thereby preventing the formation of a permanent crease or groove. This addresses not just the visual annoyance but also the tactile feedback; users often complain of feeling a distinct dip when running a finger across the center of current foldable screens. The successful mitigation of this issue represents a major engineering milestone that has eluded manufacturers for years.
The Prime Candidate: Apple's iPhone Fold
Industry speculation immediately pointed to Apple's rumored iPhone Fold as the most likely first recipient of this advanced display. Multiple reports have indicated that Apple has been intensely focused on achieving a crease-free design for its inaugural foldable device, testing various Ultra-Thin Flexible Glass (UTG) solutions. The September 2026 unveiling timeline for the iPhone Fold aligns perfectly with Samsung Display's readiness of this new panel technology. Furthermore, the inclusion of an under-display camera in Samsung's demo matches earlier rumors about the iPhone Fold's internal screen design. This synergy strongly suggests a supplier relationship where Samsung Display provides the key component for Apple's flagship foldable.
Specifications and Market Positioning of the iPhone Fold
Based on the latest rumors, the iPhone Fold is shaping up to be a premium device in both features and price. It is expected to feature a 5.5-inch external cover screen and a larger 7.8-inch main internal display. Powering the device could be a substantial battery ranging from 5400mAh to 5800mAh. In a notable design shift, Apple is rumored to replace Face ID with a Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button, a feature already present in some iPad models. The camera system may include a 24MP under-display unit for the inner screen and a dual 48MP setup on the rear. Top analyst Ming-Chi Kuo adds that the device is projected to be 9mm–9.5mm thick when closed and 4.5mm–4.8mm when open, making it thicker than Samsung's current Galaxy Z Fold but potentially more robust. The starting price is anticipated to be around USD 2,400, positioning it at the very high end of the smartphone market.
Rumored iPhone Fold Specifications (Based on Latest Reports):
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Launch Window | September 2026 |
| External Display | 5.5-inch cover screen |
| Internal Display | 7.8-inch main screen (Rumored crease-free, with UDC) |
| Battery | 5400mAh - 5800mAh |
| Biometrics | Touch ID in power button (replacing Face ID) |
| Cameras | 24MP Under-Display Camera (internal), Dual 48MP rear system |
| Dimensions (Kuo) | 9mm–9.5mm (closed), 4.5mm–4.8mm (open) |
| Estimated Starting Price | ~ USD 2,400 |
The Question for Samsung's Own Devices
An intriguing subplot is whether Samsung's own Mobile Experience (MX) division, responsible for Galaxy smartphones, will adopt this crease-free technology for its devices like the rumored "Wide Fold" or future Galaxy Z Fold models. Ice Universe noted that this would require the MX division to be "willing to pay for it." With reports of rising component costs, particularly for DRAM, already putting pressure on Samsung's pricing strategy for its 2026 flagships, the company may face a difficult decision. It is possible that the superior, crease-free display could debut on a competitor's device—the iPhone Fold—before appearing on Samsung's own, creating a unique dynamic in the foldable market.
Conclusion: A New Era for Foldables
The demonstration at CES 2026 marks a potential turning point for foldable smartphones. The elimination of the crease removes one of the most significant physical and psychological barriers to mainstream adoption. If Apple successfully integrates this Samsung-made display into the iPhone Fold this fall, it will set a new standard that the entire industry will need to follow. The technology promises a future where foldable screens are truly seamless, finally delivering on the futuristic promise of flexible devices without the current generation's most noticeable compromise. The race to perfect the foldable form factor is entering its next, and perhaps most decisive, phase.