It appears Apple’s first foldable iPhone is finally entering the production phase, as prognosticators have given up speculating about the existence of an iPhone Fold and are now looking into what materials will protect its screen, to see how the iPhone Fold competes against Samsung’s high-end foldables like the Galaxy X Flip models.
Innovative material to improve durability
Citing a report from 9to5Mac, The Elect noted that Apple is working to improve the durability of the iPhone Fold’s screen by installing a built-in screen protector that provides both hardness and scratch resistance.
Given the challenges of applying external screen protectors, the iPhone Fold’s default one would be a welcome addition.
Samsung foldables vs. iPhone Fold
The report also highlights that Apple uses tougher materials than those found in Samsung’s foldable devices. Samsung currently uses polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in models like the Z Fold 7. Although Apple could also use PET, it should add an extra layer of polyimide (PI) film for better protection.
As the 9to5Mac report points out, “Apple’s consideration of transparent PI film as a protective layer on the UTG, unlike Samsung Electronics, appears to be a differentiation strategy. An industry insider explained: ‘Transparent PI film is more expensive than PET film, but its higher surface hardness makes it more resistant to scratches.'”
It’s worth noting that Samsung took several generations to refine the durability of its foldable devices, and it seems unlikely that Apple will take any risks with its first-generation foldable iPhone, especially since foldables present unique challenges, including hinge durability, increased potential for dust and water ingress, and screen thinness.
As for when the iPhone Fold might launch, it’s reportedly on track for a 2026 launch, and if it lives up to expectations, Apple could consider introducing a flip phone next.
