According to Korean media ZDNet Korea, Samsung plans to use a folding screen solution similar to the rumored Apple iPhone Fold on the next-generation vertical large-screen folding phone "Wide Fold". The core is to increase the thickness of ultra-thin glass (UTG), thereby significantly reducing the visibility of screen creases and improving the durability of the entire machine. The industry generally believes that the crease problem is still the main shortcoming of the current folding screen form. The design direction promoted by Apple on the iPhone Fold project is creating reverse pressure on manufacturers including Samsung.
The report pointed out that the UTG thickness used in the "Wide Fold" is about 60 microns, which is about 30% thicker than the about 45 micron UTG used in the Galaxy Z Fold 8 model. It is a "thicker" grade among similar products. UTG As a bendable glass, Samsung has been deeply involved in this field for many years, but it has previously chosen a thinner glass solution to reduce the risk of glass breakage when folded frequently.
However, although thinner glass is conducive to reliable folding, it also brings problems such as obvious creases and insufficient impact resistance and scratch resistance, especially in the central axis area of the screen. As Apple advances the design goal of "minimizing visual defects on the screen as much as possible" in the iPhone Fold project, it is rumored that it is not only testing UTG of different thicknesses, but also evaluating the application of protective film layers such as polyimide on the glass surface to further improve scratch resistance.
Against this background, Samsung’s choice to use thicker UTG on the “Wide Fold” is seen as a move to comply with the trend of high-end folding screens and improved reliability. It is also interpreted by the outside world as an early response to the potential competitive pressure of the iPhone Fold. However, due to the higher cost of thicker glass itself, coupled with the need to readjust the hinge structure, tolerances and life verification processes, Samsung has been cautious in this direction in terms of product rhythm in the past.
According to the industry's reliability requirements for folding screen equipment, the folding life is often based on 200,000 times, which sets a high threshold for glass, hinges, structural parts, and lamination processes. ZDNet Korea reports that as Apple is expected to prepare for the launch of the iPhone Fold later this year, Samsung's "Wide Fold" and other folding product lines will have to accelerate the pace of upgrading materials and processes to maintain competitiveness in the folding form market.
At present, the relevant information is still in the category of rumors, and the source's assessment in terms of credibility, technical details, and timetable is also at a "medium to cautious" level, pending further official confirmation from Samsung. However, judging from the trend of the entire industry chain, crease reduction and durability improvement have become the core directions of the research and development of the new generation of folding screen mobile phones. The competition between Apple and Samsung on UTG thickness and composite material solutions is likely to set the technical tone for the next stage of folding terminal forms.