Apple Reportedly Targeting a ‘Visually Crease-Free’ Foldable iPhone With New Glass Technology

Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone is beginning to take shape, and the latest leaks suggest the company is pushing hard to tackle one of the biggest challenges in foldable design: the crease. According to a new report from leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo, Apple is experimenting with a new type of ultra-thin flexible glass (UFG) that has unequal thickness—a structure that could help eliminate the visible crease typically seen on folding displays.

The goal is straightforward: a foldable screen that looks smooth, clean, and uninterrupted, even after repeated use.

A Long Runway for Refinement

Although the new glass material reportedly still faces technical hurdles, the timeline works in Apple’s favor. The foldable iPhone is not expected to launch until September 2026, giving Apple plenty of time to refine the technology, improve durability, and solve manufacturing challenges.

This leak lines up with earlier claims that Apple had already developed a crease-free panel using a combination of advanced lamination techniques and a specialized hinge system. With manufacturing partner Foxconn reportedly setting up a production line, the project appears to be well past the early prototype stage.

The Industry Is Watching UFG Closely

Apple isn’t the only company exploring this new flexible glass approach. According to the report, at least two other domestic manufacturers are testing UFG for their own larger foldable devices. If production hurdles can be cleared, it’s possible that several brands—Apple included—could ship crease-less foldables starting next year.

This could spark a major shift in foldable design standards, especially as consumers increasingly expect premium foldables to feel as polished as traditional smartphones.

What the Foldable iPhone Might Look Like

Rumors about Apple’s first foldable point to an extremely slim profile—so slim, in fact, that the company may replace Face ID with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor to save space.

Here’s what current reports suggest:

• A super-thin chassis
• A near-invisible or fully invisible crease
• UFG-based flexible display
• A redesigned hinge
• Possibly no Face ID
• A fall 2026 debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro line

If Apple succeeds in delivering a crease-free foldable, it may set a new benchmark for the entire industry.

A Major 2026 Launch Ahead

Apple’s foldable iPhone is shaping up to be one of the most important hardware releases of 2026. Between the new display technology, a redesigned form factor, and Apple’s emphasis on durability and polish, this device could redefine expectations for foldable smartphones.

As always, these details remain unconfirmed until Apple officially announces the product—but the momentum behind the leaks suggests the company’s first foldable is moving steadily toward reality.