At CES 2026 this year, Samsung Display showcased a brand new foldable OLED display panel, touted as completely "crease-less," which is expected to be first used in the Galaxy Z Fold8 to be released in the second half of this year, or even in the rumored Apple's first foldable iPhone.
Head-to-head comparison: Galaxy Z Fold7 vs. next-generation foldable display panels
To demonstrate its technological breakthrough, Samsung Display set up a special "Crease Test" area at its booth, comparing the new panel with the Galaxy Z Fold7 released last year.
While the Galaxy Z Fold7's display panel showed significant improvement in reducing creases, a slight indentation was still visible at certain angles. The new display panel showcased, however, has virtually no creases to the naked eye. Samsung Display emphasizes that this technology enables "seamless text across the fold," providing a complete visual experience similar to a traditional flat screen.
Key technology: Laser-drilled metal plates
The reason this panel can achieve zero creases is related to a change in its underlying structure. According to previous supply chain reports, this new display panel uses a laser-drilled metal display plate.
This technology effectively disperses the stress generated when the screen is folded and unfolded, preventing permanent dents in the display panel due to long-term stress. This crucial metal plate is reportedly supplied by South Korean manufacturer Fine M-Tec, which is also believed to be on Apple's supply chain for the foldable iPhone.
Is the complete folding phone on the horizon?
If this panel is used in the Galaxy Z Fold8 as expected, it could address one of the biggest obstacles consumers have with foldable phones. Besides its aesthetic appeal, this stress-dispersing technology could theoretically also improve the screen's durability.
As hardware technology matures, 2026 may become a pivotal year for foldable phones to truly reach their "perfect form".
