Samsung's Crease-less Foldable Display Might Also Use More Ultra-Thin Glass (2026)

Imagine a foldable phone that unfolds seamlessly, without a trace of that pesky crease. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, Samsung might be closer than ever to making this a reality. The days of the foldable phone crease could be numbered, thanks to a groundbreaking technology the company recently showcased. But here's where it gets controversial: while Samsung’s solution seems promising, it involves a complex interplay of materials and engineering that not everyone agrees is the best approach. Let’s dive into the details and explore why this could be a game-changer—or a potential point of contention.

Earlier this month at CES 2026, Samsung unveiled a new foldable display technology dubbed “Advanced Crease-less.” The demo was brief, but it left a lasting impression. The display appeared remarkably smoother compared to the current Galaxy Z Fold 7, hinting at a future where foldable phones truly live up to their promise of a crease-free experience. Rumors suggest this innovation could debut as early as the Galaxy Z Fold 8, or even in Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone. But how exactly did Samsung achieve this?

One key innovation involves weakening the backplate—yes, you read that right. By introducing perforated holes, the backplate gains flexibility, allowing it to distribute the stress of folding more evenly across the display. This contrasts sharply with current designs, where stress is concentrated at the center, causing the dreaded crease. And this is the part most people miss: Samsung might also be adding a second layer of ultra-thin glass (UTG) to further enhance durability and smoothness.

According to a Korean publication, Dealsite, Samsung is using a laser drilling process to create these perforations, which helps disperse stress. But the addition of a secondary UTG layer is what’s truly intriguing. Currently, Samsung uses a single layer of UTG beneath a plastic protective layer in devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7. By adding another UTG layer on top of the backplate, Samsung aims to minimize display wrinkles even further. While it’s unclear if this dual-layer approach was part of the CES demo, it’s a solution that makes intuitive sense, given the improvements UTG brought to earlier generations.

But here’s the controversial part: is adding more layers of glass the best way forward, or could it introduce new challenges, like increased weight or fragility? And what does this mean for competitors like Apple, who might be watching closely? These questions are sure to spark debate among tech enthusiasts and industry experts alike.