Plans are afoot for a premium display film for the first foldable iPhone – Image Credit: AppleInsider
Very late in the engineering process, Apple is reportedly considering using a premium display film for its first foldable iPhone, making it more scratch- and damage-resistant than phones from Samsung and others.
According to a new The Elec report, Apple is considering two different film materials that will sit atop the iPhone’s foldable glass. The film is the component users actually touch, and is there to help prevent damage to the underlying display.
While Samsung uses a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film on its foldable phones, Apple has other plans. It’s reportedly considering using a transparent polyimide (PI) film instead.
The report cites an industry insider as saying that Apple has yet to make a final decision on its foldable display technology. That being said, they do believe that a transparent PI film is the most likely route for Apple to take.
The source goes on to say that Apple was initially planning to use a PET film, but later chose to consider a transparent PI film as an alternative.
Time is running out, however, and Apple will need to make that decision soon. Historically, screen decisions are made in September, as it takes a great deal of time to fabricate the OLED substrates in question.
Traditional iPhone launches would normally see test production of a very small number of units begin around mid-February. Trials for mass production would likely begin around May.
A smaller demand for the foldable iPhone could work in Apple’s favor, though. Apple normally stockpiles iPhones prior to launch — but the foldable iPhone is extremely unlikely to be a big seller. The expected $2,000+ price should ensure that.
With a smaller number of foldable iPhones needed for launch weekend, Apple may have more leeway in its production timescales. If so, a delayed decision on display components may not be an issue for the initial manufacturing run.
A premium solutiuon
Both types of display protection will work, but Apple is thought to be looking for ways to differentiate its product from the competition. The use of a transparent PI film layer would do that by offering a more premium solution.
Importantly, that premium solution has real-world benefits for buyers of Apple’s first foldable iPhone. The transparent PI film offers a higher surface hardness, making it less prone to scratches.
With Apple expected to announce the so-called iPhone Fold this fall, a final decision on which film to use is expected soon. The report notes that Chinese firm Lens Technology is expected to be tasked with producing the foldable glass display. It will also bond the chosen film to the display ahead of final assembly.
The iPhone Fold’s inner 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 market. The outer display is expected to come in at 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 generally has good information from the supply chain, but has a hard time contextualizing what that means. This report is no exception, and we have significant doubts about Apple making last-minute changes in the screen this late in the cycle.
