As growth momentum in the foldable smartphone market slows, overall penetration in 2025 has held at only about 1.6%, indicating the segment is gradually entering a high‑end maturity stage. Even so, major brands continue to launch new generations of foldables, reflecting a strategy of deepening product portfolios and shoring up market positions. The market generally expects that when Apple enters the space in 2026, it will reinvigorate growth, driving shipments from around 25 million units to 30.8 million units by 2027 and pushing penetration higher again.

Within this development trajectory, “creases” are no longer just a mechanical issue dominated by hinges and structural design, but are increasingly becoming a core metric of display‑technology integration. With Apple expected to enter the market and capture around 20% share in 2026, the move not only extends its brand influence, but also underscores high market expectations for crease reduction and materials‑technology breakthroughs. As a result, the industry’s competitive focus is shifting from pure structural optimization toward materials science, such as modulus engineering, interlayer stress distribution, and neutral‑plane control, signaling that foldable devices are entering a critical phase on the path toward “imperceptible creases.”

Key Highlights

• Market growth momentum slowing with low penetration rate, indicating transition to high-end maturity stage.
• Major brands continue launching new foldable generations to deepen product portfolios and strengthen market positioning.
• Apple's anticipated market entry in 2026 expected to reinvigorate growth and capture significant market share.
• "Creases" evolving from purely mechanical/structural challenges to becoming core metrics of display-technology integration.
• Competitive focus shifting from structural optimization toward advanced materials science, signaling critical phase toward achieving "imperceptible creases". 

Table of Contents

1. Technical Progress: from Foldable to Creaseless
   • Figure 1: Evolution of Hinges for OLED Foldable Phones
2. Essence of Creases: Stress Mismatch Instead of Indentation
3. Turning Point of the Technical Path: from Hinge-Based Mechanical Resistance to Material Management
   • Figure 2: New Technology of OPPO’s Find N6 Foldable
4. The Evolving Role of UTG: From Protective Layer to Core Mechanical Component
   • Figure 3: Apple’s Patent for Non-Uniform Thickness Cover Glass
5. The Revolutionary Emergence of OCA: From Adhesive Layer to Critical Stress Manager and Optical Interface
   • Figure 4: Stack Structure in Next-Generation Foldable Smartphones
6. TRI’s View
   • Figure 5: Creaseless Foldable Display Products Showcased at CES and ICDT 2026

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