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Smartphone Makers Detail Technologies to Address Foldable Display Crease

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The Race to Erase the Crease: How 2026’s Foldable Phones Are Hiding the Fold

The next generation of foldable smartphones is aiming for a nearly invisible crease, leveraging new hinge designs, advanced glass, and smarter adhesives.

Recent Device Launches and Announcements

Oppo Find N6

Oppo has officially launched the Find N6, a book-style foldable smartphone. Key specifications include:

  • Displays: 6.62-inch outer OLED and 8.12-inch inner foldable OLED.
  • Dimensions and Weight: 8.93mm thick when folded; weighs 225g.
  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (7-core version).
  • Memory and Storage: Available with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of storage.
  • Battery: 6,000mAh, supporting 80W wired and 50W wireless charging.
  • Cameras: Rear system includes a 200MP primary sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and a 50MP telephoto lens with 3x periscope optical zoom. Both displays have a 20MP front-facing camera.
  • Stylus: Supports the Oppo AI Pen, which recharges via the phone's case.
  • Water and Dust Resistance: IP56, IP58, and IP59 ratings.
  • Colors: Available in "Stellar Titanium" and "Blossom Orange."
  • Availability: Scheduled for global launch on March 20, 2026. Oppo has stated it will not be available in Europe or the US.
Crease Reduction Technology for Find N6

Oppo markets the Find N6 as having a "Zero-Feel Crease" display. According to the company, this is achieved through:

  • Hinge: A 2nd-generation Titanium Flexion Hinge. Oppo states it uses a 3D liquid printing process with photopolymer resin droplets and laser scanning to fill hinge surface unevenness, reducing variance in hinge height. A titanium alloy is used for the hinge and wing plates, with a carbon fiber main support plate for the display.
  • Display Glass: "Auto-Smoothing Flex Glass," which Oppo claims is 50% thicker than standard ultra-thin glass. The company states the glass prevents display shifting during folding.
  • Durability Testing: Oppo reports the display is certified by TÜV Rheinland to maintain its flat appearance for 600,000 folds, and the overall assembly is certified for over 1,000,000 folds. Oppo claims a testing unit completed 170,000 folds without developing a crease and that the design reduces long-term crease formation by up to 82% compared to its predecessor.

Honor Magic V6

Honor is preparing to launch its Magic V6 foldable smartphone, scheduled for debut on March 1 at Mobile World Congress. The company has stated the device will feature a new "Super Steel Hinge" designed for improved durability. Honor has also indicated that this design does not compromise battery life, thinness, or IP68/69 dust and water resistance ratings. Images shared by Honor executive Wang Fei reportedly show the device without a visible display crease.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Expected)

Samsung is expected to release the Galaxy Z Fold 8 in the second half of the year. Leaked specifications and reports suggest:

  • Displays: A 6.5-inch cover display and an 8-inch foldable display. A dual-Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) structure with a laser-drilled metal support plate is reported. This design is intended to create a nearly crease-free appearance.
  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy.
  • Memory and Storage: 12GB or 16GB of RAM; 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage.
  • Battery: 5,000mAh.
  • Charging: Reported 45W wired fast charging.
  • Cameras: Rumored to include a 200MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
  • Design: Reports suggest a thinner and lighter design compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

A separate report from ZDNet Korea indicates Samsung is considering a new display technology that modifies the optical clear adhesive to be less stiff, potentially reducing wrinkles. The report states a final decision on this panel has not been made due to potential cost increases, and that this specific technology is not intended for Apple's rumored foldable device.

Apple Foldable iPhone (Expected)

Apple is expected to launch its first foldable device, potentially branded as either the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra, later this year. The device is expected to be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in September.

  • Displays: Samsung Display is reported to be on track to begin mass production of OLED panels for the device in May. Foxconn began trial production in late February.
  • Production: A leaker, "Fixed Focus Digital," has reported that production orders were placed with specifications for a crease depth under 0.15mm and a crease angle under 2.5 degrees.
  • Market Share Estimate: Supply chain intelligence firm TrendForce estimates Apple could capture close to 20% of the foldable smartphone market this year, which the firm says would reduce Samsung and Huawei's market shares to roughly 30% each.
Crease Reduction Technology for Apple's Foldable

TrendForce has identified several technologies as key to achieving a near-invisible crease on Apple's device:

"Modern OCA formulations are the single most important factor."
— TrendForce

  • Optically Clear Adhesive (OCA): TrendForce reports that modern OCA formulations are the single most important factor. The adhesive is designed to remain pliable during gradual bending to reduce fatigue and temporarily stiffen under sudden impact to provide structural support. Over time, the adhesive flows into microscopic irregularities, reducing light scattering and making the crease less visible.
  • Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG): Apple patents describe a design where the UTG is thinner at the fold for flexibility and thicker in other areas for durability. Reports suggest Apple may use a dual-layer glass structure.
  • Hinge and Metal Plate: Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported in July 2023 that Apple's foldable would use laser drilling in its metal support plate, a technique similar to one used by Samsung Display. The South Korean firm Fine M-Tec is expected to supply this plate.

Related Industry Displays

Samsung Display CES 2026 Concept

At CES 2026, Samsung Display showcased an "Advanced Crease-less" foldable OLED panel as an R&D concept. Reports noted the panel did not exhibit a visible crease compared to a Galaxy Z Fold 7 display. The panel was later removed from public display. Samsung issued a statement clarifying it was "an R&D concept, with no fixed timeline or plan for commercialization."