Apple is approaching foldables as a materials problem by focusing on how the iPhone Fold display handles stress with adhesive layers rather than how other companies deal with the hinge.
Render of iPhone Fold
Render of iPhone Fold
Foldables have been available for years, yet the crease continues to be the main compromise that distinguishes them from traditional smartphones. Initially, designs concentrated on hinges, support plates, and mechanical tension systems to flatten the display.
These methods enhanced durability, but they never fully eliminated deformation. According to industry research from TrendForce, a new approach is emerging that treats the display as a layered system.