Photo: Kolon Industries
According to a new report, Apple is currently considering using a more durable display protection solution for its first foldable iPhone that offers better scratch resistance than what Samsung currently uses on its Galaxy Z Fold devices.
Apple may try a more durable iPhone Fold display
The iPhone giant is evaluating transparent polyimide (PI) film as a protective layer for the ultra-thin glass cover of its foldable device. The Elec. The handset, likely to be called the iPhone Fold, is likely to benefit from design cues from the iPad and should launch in the second half of this year alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models. Apple is considering PI over the more common polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film that Samsung uses on its foldable phones.
Why material selection matters
The protective film sits on top of the ultra-thin glass and is the layer that users actually touch, so it’s crucial for both durability and user experience. Although ultra-thin glass provides better visibility than other materials, it is prone to breakage and therefore requires an additional protective layer.
Industry sources indicate that transparent PI film is currently the leading candidate for Apple’s foldable device. It is a clear differentiation strategy from the competition. Although more expensive than PET film, transparent PI offers higher surface hardness and better scratch resistance. This could solve one of the main problems users have had with foldable devices.
Potential supplier and production details
Image AI: Google Gemini
Kolon Industries has emerged as a likely supplier if Apple opts for transparent PI film. The company has previously built the world’s first mass production line for this material. She expected strong demand in the folding market. Interestingly, the industry term “CPI” (colorless PI) is actually a Kolon Industries product name.
China’s Lens Technology is likely to supply the ultra-thin glass itself. And it can also handle the process of gluing the final protective film to the glass. When Apple previously considered PET film, Lens Technology reportedly proposed producing the material directly as well.
Tougher iPhone Fold display: Market context
Samsung originally used a transparent PI film for its first Galaxy Fold in 2019, but from 2020 it switched to ultra-thin glass with PET film protection. This shift has reduced the demand for transparent PI film across the industry. However, it continues to be used in some foldable IT products in limited volumes.
Apple’s final decision on the protective film material could come soon as the company continues to test components for the foldable iPhone.
David Snowan expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technology and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, tech buying guides, and features on setting up your computer and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience in technology and other topics, he has written and edited numerous print and online publications, including CMP media, TechTV.com, OVERHANG, Cable news, Red herring magazine, Law.com, National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director of technology for ALM Media.
Snow graduated from Syracuse University with a bachelor’s degree in magazine journalism and psychology. While there he worked as a reporter for Daily orange newspaper and associate editor Same time magazine.
Founder of the blog On the water linecan be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
