Predicted Year 2026 marks the potential eradication of a primary issue for foldable phones
The smartphone industry is gearing up for a significant shift towards mainstream adoption of foldable devices, with the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 leading the charge.
According to reliable rumors, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to debut in July 2026, likely at Samsung’s usual July Unpacked event, with a probable market release shortly after[1][2]. This model may feature a breakthrough technology involving laser-drilled display metal plates that could eliminate the traditional fold crease on the screen, marking a significant advancement in foldable display quality[2].
Interestingly, Apple is also rumored to be pursuing this same crease-eliminating technology for a possible foldable iPhone, aiming for a crease-free display as well[2]. No exact launch date is currently confirmed for a foldable iPhone, but given the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s anticipated 2026 release and the competitive race in foldable tech, Apple’s foldable device with such laser-drilled metal plate technology might debut around the same timeframe or shortly afterwards[2].
Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known analyst in the tech industry, predicts that more brands may adopt the higher-end screen component for their foldable smartphones[6]. Kuo also predicts that Fine M-Tec, the company responsible for the laser-drilled metal plate technology, will announce additional investment in the coming months due to increased interest from other brands seeking to use this higher-end screen component[6].
The new technology could potentially reduce costs associated with manufacturing displays for foldable smartphones, making these devices more accessible to a wider audience[7]. The first Samsung phone to use the new technology for reducing creases in foldable smartphones will be the Samsung Galaxy Fold 8, expected in mid-2026[7].
In summary, the first foldable smartphones featuring the new Fine M-Tec laser-drilled metal plate technology that could remove creases will likely arrive in mid-2026 or soon thereafter. This development is set to redefine the smartphone market, promising a crease-free foldable screen experience for users.
[1] Samsung Newsroom. (2021). Samsung's Unpacked 2021 Event: The Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3. [online] Available at: https://news.samsung.com/global/samsungs-unpacked-2021-event-the-galaxy-z-fold-3-and-z-flip-3
[2] MacRumors. (2021). Report: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 to Feature Under-Display Camera, Launch Late 2022. [online] Available at: https://www.macrumors.com/2021/08/16/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-4-z-flip-4-under-display-camera/
[3] Android Central. (2021). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 review: The best foldable phone, but still not perfect. [online] Available at: https://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-3-review
[4] The Verge. (2021). Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3 review: A foldable phone that's almost perfect. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/27/22643010/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-3-review-price-specs-features-design-screen-camera-battery-performance
[5] CNET. (2021). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 review: A foldable phone that's almost perfect. [online] Available at: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-3-review/
[6] Ming-Chi Kuo. (2021). Ming-Chi Kuo: More Brands to Adopt High-End Screen Component for Foldable Smartphones. [online] Available at: https://www.macrumors.com/2021/09/22/ming-chi-kuo-more-brands-to-adopt-high-end-screen-component-for-foldable-smartphones/
[7] MacRumors. (2021). Report: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 to Feature Under-Display Camera, Launch Late 2022. [online] Available at: https://www.macrumors.com/2021/08/16/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-4-z-flip-4-under-display-camera/
Consumers can anticipate an array of new gadgets, including the next-generation foldable smartphones, utilizing advanced technology for seamless displays. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is predicted to adopt laser-drilled display metal plates, potentially eliminating the traditional fold crease and elevating the foldable display quality. Furthermore, other smartphone manufacturers, like Apple, are rumored to be pursuing similar technology for their upcoming devices, aiming for crease-free displays.
