Apple’s rumoured foldable iPhone could use OCA tech for a crease-free display

That said, materials alone aren’t enough. TrendForce notes that mechanical elements, particularly hinge design, remain just as critical in reducing crease visibility. This aligns with Apple’s reported approach for its rumoured foldable iPhone, where a “nearly invisible crease” and a “much higher-quality hinge” are two key features to help it stand out from the competition.

Apple is also said to be exploring ultra-thin flexible glass to distribute bending stress more evenly across the display. On the hinge front, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests the company could adopt liquid metal components to improve durability, enhance screen flatness, and further suppress crease formation.

Meanwhile, Android phone makers are making similar strides. Samsung recently showcased a creaseless foldable OLED prototype at CES 2026, which reportedly used a laser-drilled metal display plate to disperse stress during folding better. OPPO has taken a different route, leveraging 3D liquid printing technology in its Titanium Flexion Hinge on the Find N6 foldable phone to smooth out surface irregularities and deliver a near crease-free experience.

As it stands, 2026 could mark a turning point for foldable displays, as advances in materials like OCA and more sophisticated hinge designs push the long-standing crease issue closer to being resolved.

Source: TrendForce