Apple and Samsung’s Next Foldables Could Share Key Crease-Free Display Tech

After years of missing out, we know Apple is working on a foldable iPhone to launch sometime next year. A new report now suggests that one of the component for its display will be the same as the one used on Samsung's next Galaxy Fold 8. 

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Samsung is planning to use a "higher-ASP laser-drilled display metal plates" for the production of its Galaxy Z Fold 8. These metal plates can minimize creases by distributing the bending stress of displays and preventing them from exceeding their elastic limit. Kuo points that these display metal plates will be made by South Korean supplier, Fine M-Tec, who may also manufacture them for Apple's foldable iPhone. 

The update comes just days after Kuo's earlier report, which mentioned that Apple is expected to use Samsung Display's "crease-free display" as opposed to its own display tech. It was also suggested that Fine M-Tec could start shipping the display metal plates for foldable iPhones in the first quarter of 2026 with a projection of up to 15 million units by the end of 2026. 

Most recently, Fine M-Tec invested KRW 17.5 billion (approximately Rs 108.28 Crores) to increase its ultra-precision laser processing capacity. This development along with Apple's strict requirements for a crease-free display could prompt a higher demand for laser drilling when making display metal plates. 

This isn't the first time Samsung is using Fine M-Tec's services. The latter has served as a primary supplier for components in the manufacture of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and is now been promoted as the "exclusive supplier" for the new laser-drilled display metal plates. Kuo addresses that Fine M-Tec is yet to confirm any investments for Apple's foldable iPhone and expects more announcements in the near future.