The crease in foldable phone screens may soon be a thing of the past. Samsung is reportedly developing a latest display technology aimed at virtually eliminating the visible fold, and plans to share it with Apple for apply in its highly anticipated first foldable iPhone. This push for a smoother experience comes as competition intensifies in the foldable market, with manufacturers like Oppo already demonstrating significant progress in minimizing the crease.
The race to create a truly seamless foldable display is heating up, and 2026 appears to be the target year for a significant breakthrough. Even as early foldable phones offered a glimpse into the future, the prominent crease remained a noticeable drawback. Now, both Samsung and Apple are investing heavily in technologies to address this issue, signaling a new era for this emerging device category.
Details about Samsung’s advancements surfaced recently, initially appearing on X (formerly Twitter) from user @TheGalox_. According to the leak, the Galaxy Z Fold8, expected to launch in the summer of 2026, will utilize a “double stack” of ultra-thin glass (UTG) combined with a laser-perforated metal support plate. This design aims to enhance durability while minimizing the visible crease. Notebookcheck.net first reported on these details on March 24, 2026.
A New Display Architecture for Foldable Phones
The core of this improvement lies in the materials and construction of the display. The “double stack” UTG, coupled with the precisely engineered metal support plate, is intended to provide a more robust and flexible foundation for the foldable screen. The Galaxy Z Fold8 is expected to feature an 8-inch internal display and a 6.5-inch cover screen, both boasting a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for fluid visuals. This represents a continuation of Samsung’s commitment to high-quality displays in its foldable lineup.
However, Samsung isn’t keeping this technology to itself. Reports indicate the company is similarly working with Apple to implement a similar “crease-less” display for the forthcoming iPhone Fold. This collaboration underscores the complexity of achieving a truly seamless foldable experience and the potential benefits of shared innovation. While Apple has remained tight-lipped about its foldable plans, industry analysts predict the company will prioritize a refined user experience, including minimizing the visible crease.
Oppo Sets the Bar for Crease Reduction
Samsung and Apple aren’t alone in this pursuit. Oppo has already made significant strides in minimizing the crease with its Find N6, demonstrating that a nearly invisible fold is achievable. The Oppo Find N6’s design has set a new benchmark for foldable displays, putting pressure on Samsung and Apple to deliver comparable results. The success of the Find N6 highlights the growing consumer demand for foldable phones with improved aesthetics and usability.
Currently, Samsung appears to be leading the charge, with the Galaxy Z Fold8 likely to hit the market before Apple’s first foldable device, given Samsung’s established product cycle. This gives Samsung an opportunity to further solidify its position as a leader in the foldable phone market.
Beyond the Display: Specs and Performance
Beyond the display improvements, the leaked specifications for the Galaxy Z Fold8 suggest a significant upgrade in other areas as well. The device is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, paired with 12 or 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. The camera system is also slated for an upgrade, featuring a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
Despite being thinner and lighter than its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold7, the Z Fold8 is rumored to house a larger 5,000 mAh battery with 45W charging – a first for Samsung’s large-format foldable phones. This suggests a focus on improving battery life and charging speed, addressing common concerns among foldable phone users.
Pricing and Market Outlook
While the leaked information doesn’t reveal the price of the Galaxy Z Fold8, the previous model, the Galaxy Z Fold7, launched at $2,000/€2,100, a $100/€100 increase over the Fold6. It’s reasonable to expect the Z Fold8 to maintain a similar price point, potentially increasing slightly to reflect the advanced display technology and other hardware upgrades.
The success of the Galaxy Z Fold8 and the eventual launch of Apple’s foldable iPhone will likely depend on their ability to address the remaining concerns surrounding durability, price, and software optimization. The foldable market is still relatively nascent, but it holds significant potential for growth as manufacturers continue to refine the technology and address consumer needs.
Looking ahead, Samsung is expected to provide more official details about the Galaxy Z Fold8 closer to its launch in the summer of 2026. Industry analysts will be closely watching for further developments in display technology and the competitive landscape as Apple prepares to enter the foldable market. Consumers interested in learning more about foldable phones can stay updated through tech news websites and official announcements from Samsung and Apple.
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