Apple’s upcoming iPhone Fold is expected to bring major display improvements, focusing on a thinner design, better efficiency, and reduced crease visibility. However, early details suggest that one of the key technologies behind these gains could introduce a noticeable drawback when using the device outdoors in bright sunlight.
The company plans to use CoE, or Color Filter on Encapsulation, for the internal OLED display. This approach replaces the traditional circular polarizer layer with a thinner color filter layer, which helps reduce thickness and improve light efficiency.
As a result, the display becomes lighter and consumes less power, which is important for foldable devices where internal space and durability matter.
According to reports, this shift could increase display reflectivity, which directly affects how well the screen performs under sunlight. Higher reflectivity means more ambient light bounces off the display, making it harder to see content clearly outdoors.
CoE improves design but affects visibility
CoE technology removes the need for a thick polarizer, which usually adds bulk and reduces flexibility. By eliminating this layer, Apple can create a display that bends more easily and handles less stress during folding. Combined with ultra-thin flexible glass and a refined hinge, this setup supports a cleaner, crease-free look.
At the same time, the absence of a polarizer reduces the display’s ability to block reflected light. Traditional OLED panels rely on polarizers to maintain deep contrast and reduce glare. Without it, the screen becomes more reflective, especially in bright conditions.
Samsung already uses CoE in its Galaxy S26 Ultra, where reflectivity increased from 1.5 percent to 2.8 percent. This puts it close to the reflectivity levels seen in recent iPhone models, which already face criticism for outdoor visibility.
If Apple follows a similar approach, the iPhone Fold could face even higher reflectivity levels. This would lead to stronger glare under sunlight, which directly impacts usability during outdoor use.
Apple is clearly prioritizing thinner and more efficient displays for its foldable future. At the same time, this trade-off shows how improving one aspect of display technology can introduce new challenges, especially when real-world visibility remains a key factor for users.
