Apple faces a significant challenge in the foldable smartphone market, primarily due to an issue that competitors have struggled with: the crease. While rumors suggest that the iPhone Fold is set to enter trial production at Foxconn, reports indicate that the tech giant has encountered difficulties and is exploring the use of different materials to overcome these challenges.
These materials aim not only to enhance the strength of the main inner display but also to eliminate the crease entirely. As Apple finds itself under more scrutiny than its competitors, the durability of the crease-less screen on the iPhone Fold will be closely monitored, especially after reports that an OPPO Find N6 owner disproved claims of its crease-less display.
Crease Visibility: OPPO’s ‘Zero-Feel Crease’ Claims Remain Strong
Designer Ben Geskin spent a month using the OPPO Find N6 while also owning the previous Find N5 model. His observations revealed that the latest model does indeed display a noticeable crease, raising questions about the manufacturer’s crease-less assertions. The product page for the Find N6 highlights the advanced technology designed to reduce this crease.
“Industry-first 3D Liquid Printing and the Clover Balance Pivot ensure exceptional precision for the 2nd-Generation Titanium Flexion Hinge, resulting in a flatter display, shallower crease, and smooth, enduring folding.”
Although the Find N6 may be criticized for its crease claims, particularly in relation to the ‘TÜV Rheinland’ certification asserting the screen’s flatness through 600,000 folds, Geskin noted that OPPO’s Zero-Feel Crease assertion holds merit. He found that the crease was barely noticeable when he glided his finger over the display. Thus, the focus should shift from visibility to tactile sensation.
“Zero-Feel Crease” refers to a visual phenomenon in which the crease is generally not visible from most angles and normal usage conditions. It does not imply that the crease is absent; visibility might differ due to personal perception, lighting, and specific content displayed.
Anticipation for the iPhone Fold is considerable, with expectations that it will surpass the technology of the Find N6. Reports suggest that Apple is working with Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) of various thicknesses and utilizing polyimide film (PI) atop the UTG to improve scratch resistance, indicating the company’s dedication to minimizing crease visibility.
Once released, it’s expected that reviewers will closely examine the iPhone Fold’s inner display under light to assess crease prominence. Therefore, Apple must ensure that the design achieves excellence within its category to withstand the inevitable scrutiny and criticism.
