Apple has reportedly waited years to launch a folding phone because it hated the noticeable crease right down the middle of early models from rivals. Now, supply chain watchers at TrendForce say the company might have finally solved the problem. The hardware maker plans to use a specialized, advanced adhesive to create a perfectly flat screen for its upcoming premium device, heavily rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra.
A special liquid adhesive fills in the folding screen gaps
For a long time, the biggest issue with any foldable iPhone was the permanent mark left behind after opening and closing the device. Bending a display back and forth puts a lot of stress on the materials, eventually causing tiny cracks or a noticeable dip.
To fix this, Apple is turning to a highly sophisticated form of glue. TrendForce notes that this high-tech adhesive stays slightly liquid inside the screen layers.
As you open the phone, the glue shifts just enough to fill in any empty space and distribute the tension evenly. This stops the crease from forming over time, giving the iPhone Fold a completely smooth look.
The company combines this glue with variable thickness screen glass
A fancy glue is only one piece of the puzzle. The company is also pairing the adhesive with ultra-thin glass that actually changes thickness. Recent patents reveal that the folding area gets physically thinned out right at the bending axis to make the screen more flexible. The flat parts of the screen stay thicker to protect against drops and impact damage.
Together, these two innovations create a durable display that bends without breaking or showing a permanent fold line. Reports suggest that mass production of these crease-less displays could start very soon to prepare for a launch later this year.
Fixing the crease issue takes folding phones from feeling like experimental gadgets to polished luxury devices. Buyers worldwide will likely see the difference immediately when this highly anticipated hardware officially hits store shelves.
