The iPhone Fold has progressed to the subsequent stage of its production following what is described as a “breakthrough” in removing the crease typically found in folding phones when positioned flat. While the display is being manufactured by Samsung, various components are reportedly designed by Apple and will be distinctive to this device.
### Eradicating the Crease
Folding smartphones have existed for seven years, yet they have faced numerous challenges. Issues include the display’s susceptibility to damage when dust becomes lodged in the device while folded, along with an unsightly crease that appears at the center of the screen when unfolded. A report earlier this year suggested that this issue has been resolved, and Apple expressed satisfaction with the samples received from display partner Samsung, after declining earlier versions presented by the South Korean firm.
### Apple Deeply Engaged in Addressing the Issue
Sources indicate that Apple was deeply engaged in the redesign of both the display panel and the folding mechanism to eliminate the crease. It is speculated that Apple has made notable advances in the development of the folding iPhone, achieving a “crease-free design.” The inner display is exclusively supplied by Samsung, yet the design of the panel structure, material processing, and laminated pressing technique are all the work of Apple. Critical component bearings are shared by Apple along with two suppliers, New Rixing and Amfeno, facilitating the integration of the panel and bearing to prevent the persistent creases that are typical in standard folding devices.
### iPhone Fold Advances to the Next Phase of Production
The initiative has now transitioned into the second phase of production, recognized as engineering validation or verification testing (EVT). Reports suggest that Honghai Group has set up an exclusive production line for the folding iPhone, signaling its shift from the experimental phase to the engineering verification and pre-production stage. This phase generally involves producing approximately one hundred units for testing, merging the functionality of the final product with a design that mirrors that of a real device.
The iPhone Fold, which the company might opt to label as the iPhone Ultra, is expected to carry a hefty price tag, with recent reports hinting at a cost as high as $2,400. The device is anticipated to be available for purchase sometime next year.
