Apple currently weighs the option of using a more durable display protection solution for its first foldable iPhone, according to a new report. The tougher film would offer better scratch resistance than what Samsung currently uses in its Galaxy Z Fold and other devices.
Apple might try tougher iPhone Fold display
The iPhone giant evaluates transparent polyimide (PI) film as the protective layer for the ultra-thin glass cover of its foldable device, according to The Elec. The handset, likely called iPhone Fold, will probably benefit from iPad design cues and should launch in the second half of this year alongside iPhone 18 Pro models. Apple weighs the PI option against the more common polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film that Samsung uses on its foldable phones.
Why the material choice matters
The protective film sits on top of the ultra-thin glass and is the layer users actually touch, making it crucial for both durability and user experience. While ultra-thin glass provides better visibility than other materials, it’s prone to breaking, which is why an additional protective layer is necessary.
Industry sources suggest that transparent PI film is currently the leading candidate for Apple’s foldable. It’s a clear differentiation strategy from competitors. Though more expensive than PET film, transparent PI offers higher surface hardness and better scratch resistance. So that could address one of the main concerns users have had with foldable devices.
Potential supplier and production details
AI Image: Google Gemini
Kolon Industries emerged as the likely supplier if Apple chooses transparent PI film. The company previously built the world’s first mass production line for the material. It anticipated strong demand in the foldable market. Interestingly, the industry term “CPI” (colorless PI) is actually a Kolon Industries product name.
China’s Lens Technology will probably supply the ultra-thin glass itself. And it may handle the process of bonding the final protective film to the glass. When Apple previously considered PET film, Lens Technology reportedly proposed producing that material directly as well.
Tougher iPhone Fold display: Market context
Samsung initially used transparent PI film for its first Galaxy Fold in 2019 but switched to ultra-thin glass with PET film protection starting in 2020. This shift reduced demand for transparent PI film industry-wide. But it has continued to be used in some foldable IT products in limited volumes.
Apple’s final decision on the protective film material could come soon as the company continues testing components for the foldable iPhone.
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
