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Apple’s foldable iPhone will feature a crease-free display – Ming-Chi Kuo

MacDailyNews

Jul 16

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Apple patent reveals revolutionary foldable iPhone — Apple patent application illustration of foldable device (USPTO)

According to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is likely to adopt Samsung Display’s (SDC) crease-free display technology for its foldable iPhone, expected to enter mass production in the second half of 2026. Opting for SDC’s solution over its own design, Apple aims to ensure reliable production stability. This move is set to significantly benefit SDC’s supply chain partners, with Fine M-Tec, a key supplier of display metal plates (also known as internal hinges), emerging as the primary winner.

Ming-Chi Kuo via Medium:
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Display metal plate as key design element for crease-free display. The primary cause of creasing in foldable phone displays is stress concentration at the fold points during repeated bending, which leads to material fatigue and permanent deformation. A metal plate helps distribute and control bending stress, preventing the display material from exceeding its elastic limit and thereby minimizing the likelihood of creases. The metal plate must be highly integrated with the display design. Therefore, SDC’s crease-free solution for Apple includes a metal plate designed and manufactured by Fine M-Tec.
Fine M-Tec to expand Vietnam production capacity for Apple, with strong momentum expected in 2026. Fine M-Tec is expected to begin shipping display metal plates for the foldable iPhone in 1Q26, with unit prices $30–35. Shipments are projected to reach 13–15 million units in 2026, exceeding final product assembly volumes due to yield losses and repair stock requirements. Leveraging its close partnership with SDC, Fine M-Tec is set to become the primary supplier, with an estimated 80% supply share or more.
Higher specs and pricing for foldable iPhone display metal plates: a tailwind for Fine M-Tec’s profits and market share.SDC currently uses etching in its metal plate manufacturing process. To meet Apple’s stricter crease-free display requirements, laser drilling will be introduced to create microstructures that better guide stress distribution and enhance crease resistance. The adoption of laser drilling in foldable iPhone display metal plates supports higher ASPs ($30–35 vs. ~$20 for etching), while the elevated technical barriers further reinforce Fine M-Tec’s competitive position and market share.

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MacDailyNews Take: Apple’s foldable iPhone will sell millions of units upon release, regardless of the price, but even more if Apple can hit a retail price point around, or, better yet, just under, $2,000 per unit.

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