Plans are in the works for a premium display film for the first foldable iPhone – Image Credit: AppleInsider
Very late in the design process, Apple is reportedly considering using a premium display film for its first foldable iPhone, making it more resistant to scratches and damage than phones from Samsung and others.
According to the new The Elec Apple is considering two different film materials to sit on the iPhone’s foldable glass. The film is the component that users actually touch and is meant to help prevent damage to the lower display.
While Samsung uses polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film on its foldable phones, Apple has other plans. It is reportedly considering using transparent polyimide (PI) film.
The report quotes an industry expert as saying that Apple has yet to make a final decision on its foldable display technology. That being said, he believes transparent PI film is the most likely route Apple should take.
The source goes on to say that Apple originally planned to use PET film, but later decided to consider transparent PI film as an alternative.
However, time is running out and Apple will have to make this decision soon. Historically, screen decisions are made in September because the manufacturing of the relevant OLED substrates takes a lot of time.
A traditional iPhone launch would normally mean that test production of a very small number of units would begin around mid-February. Trials for series production would likely begin around May.
However, less demand for the foldable iPhone could work in Apple’s favor. Apple routinely hoards iPhones ahead of launch — but it’s highly unlikely that a foldable iPhone will be a big seller. An expected price of $2000+ should ensure that.
With fewer foldable iPhones needed for a weekend launch, Apple can have more leeway in its production timelines. If so, the delayed decision on display components may not be a problem for the initial production run.
Premium solution
Both types of screen protectors will work, but Apple is believed to be looking for ways to differentiate its product from the competition. Using a transparent PI film layer would achieve this by offering a more premium solution.
Importantly, this premium solution has real benefits for buyers of Apple’s first foldable iPhone. The transparent PI film offers a higher surface hardness, making it less prone to scratching.
As Apple expects to announce the so-called iPhone Fold this fall, a final decision on which film to use is expected soon. The report states that Chinese firm Lens Technology is expected to be tasked with making the foldable glass display. It also attaches the selected film to the display before final assembly.
The iPhone Fold’s internal display is expected to measure 7.8 inches and have an invisible crease. That alone would help differentiate Apple’s initial entry into the foldable device market. The external display is expected to have a diagonal of 5.5 inches.
If all the rumors turn out to be correct, the iPhone Fold will debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max this fall.
The Elec has good supply chain information in general, but struggles to contextualize what it means. This report is no exception, and we highly doubt Apple is making last-minute changes to the screen so late in the cycle.