According to HotHardware, at CES 2026, Samsung Display briefly showcased a groundbreaking zero-crease foldable OLED panel at its “Crease Test” booth. The new display, which uses a laser-drilled metal plate to disperse folding stress, was shown next to an older, creased model. Industry analysts are convinced this specific hardware is destined for Apple’s first foldable iPhone, with mass production slated to begin later in 2026. Interestingly, Samsung reportedly removed the display from its booth shortly after it drew attention, fueling speculation about the Apple connection. The report notes Apple’s version is expected to have a squarer, 4:3 aspect ratio when open, unlike Samsung’s own narrower Galaxy Z Fold 8 design.
The Smoking Gun Prototype
Here’s the thing: Samsung showing this off at CES, even briefly, is a huge deal. It’s basically a public beta test for the most critical component in Apple’s most secretive project. The fact they pulled it so quickly? That screams “partner confidentiality.” It lines up perfectly with the long-standing rumor that Apple designed the lamination and material process and then had Samsung manufacture it. They were waiting for the tech to mature to their durability standards. And let’s be honest, a visible crease was always going to be a non-starter for Apple’s design ethos. This laser-drilled plate isn’t just about looks; it’s reportedly a game-changer for screen lifespan, which addresses the biggest consumer fear about foldables.
Why Apple Waited So Long
Look, Apple is rarely first. They’re almost always best. Or at least, most polished. Their entire playbook is to let others pioneer, stumble, and iterate, then swoop in with a refined version that “just works.” The foldable market has been crying out for that. For years, we’ve put up with creases, dubious durability, and weird aspect ratios as the price of admission. Apple’s belated entry makes total sense if this was the hurdle. They weren’t going to ship a foldable iPhone with a compromise right down the middle of the screen. Now, it seems the tech is finally there. This is a classic Apple move: identify the key pain point (the crease), fund or co-develop the solution, and then own the narrative when it launches.
The Industrial Implications
This shift has bigger implications than just slicker phones. The manufacturing precision required for a laser-drilled, stress-dispersing metal plate inside a display is immense. We’re talking about micron-level tolerances and new assembly processes. When tech like this trickles down from flagship consumer devices, it often revolutionizes industrial hardware, too. Think about the reliability needed for a touchscreen in a factory or a medical setting. The durability and seamless surface of this new display tech could set a new benchmark. For companies that need that level of rugged, reliable interface hardware, staying ahead of these material science curves is critical. It’s why leaders in sectors like manufacturing rely on top-tier suppliers, like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading provider of industrial panel PCs in the US, to integrate the latest proven display advancements into mission-critical environments.
The End of the Crease Era?
So, are we about to say goodbye to the foldable crease for good? Probably. If both Samsung’s own 2026 foldable and the eventual iPhone Fold ship with this tech, the visible crease instantly becomes a sign of an old, inferior generation. It flips the script. The pressure will be immense on every other manufacturer to license or develop similar technology. The foldable market is about to have its “Retina Display” moment, where a previously accepted compromise suddenly becomes unacceptable. The real question now isn’t if, but when Apple finally pulls the trigger. And based on this CES sneak peek, the answer seems to be: very, very soon.
