Apple Adding Extra Protection Measures to iPhone Fold Display to Reduce Crease Visibility
Supply chain report reveals two additional protective features as Apple prepares its first foldable smartphone
The report suggests Apple has learned from the problems that plagued early foldable phones and is taking a characteristically cautious approach to display protection. While the specific technologies have not been detailed, the focus on both durability and crease minimisation indicates Apple is prioritising the user experience that has held many consumers back from adopting foldable devices.
Samsung's original Galaxy Fold was notorious for its fragile internal display, and while subsequent generations have improved significantly, the visible crease remains a common complaint across all foldable phones currently on the market.
The iPhone Fold would represent Apple's first entry into the foldable category, a segment that competitors Samsung, Google, and OnePlus have been developing for years. Apple's late entry follows its typical strategy of waiting for technology to mature before releasing a product that meets its quality standards.
Separately, the iPhone Air has proven to be about twice as popular as the iPhone 16 Plus it replaced, according to cellular network data from Ookla. While the Air remains the least popular model in the iPhone 17 generation, its sales performance firmly eclipses the outgoing Plus model.
Analysis
Why This Matters
Apple entering the foldable market with a focus on display quality could set new standards for the category and pressure competitors to improve their own crease and durability solutions.
Background
Foldable phones have grown from a niche curiosity to a meaningful market segment, but adoption has been limited by concerns about durability, crease visibility, and price premiums.
Key Perspectives
Apple's willingness to wait years while competitors iterated on foldable technology may pay off if the iPhone Fold launches without the teething problems that plagued earlier entrants.
What to Watch
Pricing and availability timeline for the iPhone Fold, and whether Apple's display protection innovations are enough to overcome the inherent compromises of foldable designs.