Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone will use a dual-layer structure of ultra-thin glass to reduce the visibility of the display crease, according to a new rumor from the supply chain. According to leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo, Apple's first foldable book-style iPhone will feature two layers of ultra-thin glass (UTG) or ultra-thin flexible glass (UFG), with the display sandwiched between them, isolating it from direct contact with the hinge.
See also: iPhone Fold: Touch ID instead of Face ID and iPad multitasking
This layout has been designed to distribute mechanical pressure across multiple layers instead of concentrating it on a single sheet, which could improve durability and reduce visible creasing over time. This approach would represent a deviation from most current foldables, which typically use a single UTG layer that must simultaneously handle bending forces and protect the underlying display.
Decoupling the display from the hinge mechanism could also help Apple achieve its stated goal of making the fold nearly imperceptible — though more recent reports have revised earlier claims of “no fold.” As we reported in December, Apple has been testing a next-generation UFG with variable thickness, with a thinner layer at the fold for flexibility and a thicker layer elsewhere for rigidity.
See also: Possible iPhone Fold CAD drawings leaked
The latest rumor suggests that Apple has developed a complex glass stack instead of relying on a single panel. The foldable iPhone is expected to be released later in September along with the iPhone 18 Pro series, although a recent analyst claimed that the device could launch closer to December. The device is expected to feature an outer display of about 5.3 to 5.5 inches and an inner display of 7.8 inches.
See also: Apple exploring 'iPhone Flip' after iPhone fold
It is rumored to use liquid metal hinges to achieve a nearly bezel-less display and is expected to cost between $2,000 and $2,500, making it Apple's most expensive iPhone to date.
