[News] Apple Foldable Rumors Roundup: Tougher Screen Layer, Crease-Free Display, and Massive Battery

Apple’s first foldable device remains highly anticipated, with new details continuing to surface. According to South Korean outlet The Elec, Apple is reviewing the use of transparent polyimide (PI) film as the protective layer placed on top of the ultra-thin glass (UTG) cover window for its debut foldable product, which is expected to launch in the second half of this year.

The report says Apple is evaluating both polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film and transparent PI film as candidates for the protective layer applied over UTG. As noted, Samsung Electronics currently uses PET film on top of UTG in its foldable smartphones. Apple’s consideration of transparent PI instead of PET is viewed as a potential differentiation strategy. While PI is more expensive, the report highlights that it offers greater surface hardness and improved scratch resistance.

With Apple reportedly weighing PI film, Kolon Industries has emerged as a potential supplier, the report adds. The company established the world’s first mass-production line for transparent PI film.

Rumored Button Relocation, Hinge Design, and Internal Layout Details

Additional rumored features have also drawn attention. According to PhoneArena, Apple may revise button placement, with the foldable iPhone’s volume buttons reportedly moving to the top-right edge instead of the left side. The power button—doubling as Touch ID—and the camera control button would remain on the right. The report notes that consolidating all buttons on one side avoids routing ribbon cables across the folding area, reducing potential hinge failure points over time.

The internal structure is said to adopt a stacked architecture, with most of the space dedicated to the display and battery. According to MacRumors, the device may feature the largest battery ever used in an iPhone. As MacRumors further notes, other rumors suggest Apple’s first foldable iPhone will include a 7.8-inch crease-free inner display, a 5.5-inch cover display, Touch ID, dual rear cameras, the A20 chip, and the “C2” modem. The device is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max later this year.

Meanwhile, Apple appears to be confident in the commercial potential of its foldable lineup. According to Bloomberg, sources say the company is already exploring a follow-up model in the form of a smaller, square, clamshell-style foldable phone. As the report indicates, Apple believes its first foldable iPhone will gain sufficient traction to create meaningful demand for the category, encouraging interest in additional form factors.

Read more

• [News] Apple Reportedly Plans Clamshell-Style iPhone After First Foldable, Taking Aim at Galaxy Z Flip
• [News] Samsung Display Reportedly Weighs OLED Expansion as Apple May Plan a Second Foldable for 2027

(Photo credit: FREEPIK)