Summary
- Samsung has showcased a new creaseless foldable OLED prototype at CES 2026.
- The latest technology showcases a significant decrease in the visible fold line as seen on current foldables.
- The technology could be used by the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Apple iPhone foldable.
Foldable phones have steadily improved over the years, but a visible crease at the fold line has remained a persistent gripe among users. Looks like that shall soon be addressed, as at its CES 2026 booth, Samsung Display showcased a prototype foldable panel that appears to eliminate that crease to a significant extent.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 could use a creaseless display
At CES 2026, Samsung showcased a creaseless panel while comparing it side-by-side with the display used in the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Unlike current foldable screens that still show a faint line where the display bends, the new panel delivers "seamless text across the fold," suggesting that graphic elements and content could look smoother and more uniform when the foldable is open.
The secret appears to lie beneath the screen, thanks to a laser-drilled metal display plate that helps distribute the mechanical stress created during folding more evenly. This reduces the likelihood of a permanent crease forming in the flexible OLED panel.
Reports also suggest that this metal plate, likely made by South Korean supplier Fine M-Tec, is also being eyed for use in Apple's rumoured first foldable iPhone.
However, with RAM shortage leading to phone price hikes, expect the upcoming foldables to carry a hefty price tag. Additionally, a recent report also suggested that the Samsung Galaxy S26 price will also see quite a hike compared to the previous generation.
While Samsung Display has not officially confirmed which commercial products will adopt the new creaseless foldable display, we expect the Galaxy Z Fold 8 to bear that next year. If it does, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 could finally address one of the most visible drawbacks of the previous generations.
Most importantly, since the upcoming and much-anticipated Apple foldable iPhone is also expected to use a Samsung display, it could flaunt the creaseless tech too. There's no doubt that there's a lot of potential here and could reshape the broader foldable market entirely this year.
