The forthcoming iPhone Fold could potentially feature a design devoid of creases, with the next Galaxy Z Fold model possibly taking the same route. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Fine M-Tec is pouring millions into “bolstering the expanding foldable device market and rising demand for ultra-precision laser processing capabilities.”
Kuo indicates that this financial commitment validates his previous forecast that Apple’s “stricter requirements for a crease-free iPhone Fold will speed up the adoption of laser drilling for the production of display metal plates.” In an earlier report, Kuo noted that the metal plate of the display is crucial, as it plays a key role in preventing creases in a foldable display. “Since the plate must be precisely aligned with the display design, the specifications of SDC’s crease-free solution for Apple also encompass the metal plate crafted by Fine M-Tec,” a translation of Kuo’s commentary clarifies.
Samsung Display will persist in its longstanding collaboration with Apple to manufacture these displays. A report from last week disclosed that Samsung has already initiated display production for the iPhone Fold, having established a dedicated line for Apple’s foldable smartphone. The facility is capable of producing 35,000 displays monthly and employs the 6th-generation OLED panel. With a capacity of 1.25 million panels monthly, or 15 million annually, this should sufficiently meet Apple’s target of selling 6 to 8 million iPhone Fold units within the first year.
In recent months, speculation regarding the iPhone Fold has intensified. Current reports indicate that Apple intends to reintroduce the Touch ID sensor and utilize the highest quality materials available to guarantee the foldable device’s early success, even if it may not match the camera capabilities of the soon-to-be-released iPhone 18 Pro models.
Equally compelling in Kuo’s recent report is the indication that Samsung is also looking to implement the same technology in the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The South Korean company will likewise utilize metal plate manufacturing for its upcoming foldable device.
That said, while the Galaxy Z Fold 7 stands as Samsung’s finest foldable to date, featuring stunning inner and outer displays along with an ultra-slim design, the company has at least one more surprise awaiting customers soon in the form of a trifold smartphone.
