Apple and Samsung are developing a new type of ultra-thin glass (UTG) for foldable smartphones. Its central section is planned to be made thinner, while the non-folding areas will be significantly thicker. The introduction of the new technology is expected from 2028.
At present, both companies use UTG of uniform thickness in their foldable devices. According to ZDNet sources, the developers are considering a version with a central zone around 40 µm thick and edge sections more than 100 µm thick. The thinner middle is intended to reduce stress on the glass when it bends and lower the risk of cracks.
The etched central section will, however, need to be filled with a material whose optical properties match those of the surrounding glass so that the transition is not visible on the display. Apple and Samsung are expected to make a final decision on using the technology in the fourth quarter of 2027.
The two companies' foldable display designs differ. The iPhone Duo uses two layers of UTG: the upper one protects the OLED panel, while the lower one helps make the crease less pronounced. Samsung uses UTG only as the upper protective layer and uses titanium beneath the OLED panel, although it is also developing a version with UTG.
One of Apple's main UTG suppliers is China's Lens Technology. Meanwhile, according to the reported data, the flexible OLED panels for the iPhone Duo are supplied exclusively by Samsung Display.
