Samsung's Crease-Free OLED Technology Involves Multiple Technologies Including Double-Layer UTG and Laser Drilling of Metal Plates

Samsung Display unveiled its foldable organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology with virtually invisible creases at CES 2026, highlighting its significant position in the industry. This panel is expected to be used in Samsung Electronics' next-generation foldable phone, slated for release in the second half of this year. Industry analysts suggest that Samsung Display likely mitigated the crease issue of foldable screens by adding an ultra-thin glass (UTG) layer beneath the panel.

Samsung Display recently showcased a display employing a "crease-free solution" at CES 2026, attracting widespread attention. According to Samsung Display, the crease depth of the next-generation panel is improved by approximately 20% compared to the existing Galaxy Z Fold7.

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It is widely believed in the industry that this panel will most likely be used in the Galaxy Z series models planned for release in the second half of this year. Some interpretations suggest that Apple has already teased the launch of its first foldable iPhone this year, emphasizing its "wrinkle-free" display. Samsung, responding to this market competition, unveiled its related technology at CES.

While Samsung Display is reportedly the exclusive supplier of panels for the initial production capacity of Apple's foldable iPhone, the prevailing industry view is that the panels supplied to Samsung Electronics and Apple will differ technologically. An industry insider stated, "The panels Samsung Display supplies to Samsung Electronics and Apple will not be exactly the same," and "It's difficult to achieve a wrinkle-free effect solely based on Apple's patents."

Samsung Display's wrinkle-free display appears to incorporate multiple technologies. Industry sources indicate that the panel utilizes optimized layering structures and light dispersion techniques. Specific technical details have not yet been disclosed, but industry observers note that Samsung Display may have applied laser drilling technology to the backplate supporting the OLED panels to distribute stress generated during screen folding.

Typically, a foldable phone's display consists of an outer protective window, OLED pixel units, and a backplate. The back panel, referred to as the "built-in hinge," acts as a crease suppresser and support for the panel, positioned between the foldable OLED panel and the hinge (external hinge). When a foldable phone is repeatedly folded, stress concentrates in the central area of the screen, inevitably leading to noticeable creases. Creating tiny holes through laser drilling to distribute stress is expected to alleviate this problem.

An industry insider pointed out, "It appears that multiple tiny holes are created on the back panel using laser drilling to optimize the anti-crease function by distributing stress."

Meanwhile, some analysts believe that Samsung Display may increase the number of Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) layers from the current one to two, and also add UTG to the back panel to enhance the anti-crease effect. Previously, foldable phone panels only used one layer of UTG in the top protective window. Adding an additional layer of anti-crease UTG beneath the panel could significantly improve the crease problem.

Previously, it was reported that this technology was likely to be used in the panels Samsung Display supplies to Apple for the foldable iPhone. However, it remains unconfirmed whether Samsung Electronics will adopt the same dual ultra-thin glass (UTG) structure. Industry insiders believe that Samsung Electronics is highly likely exploring this structural solution. Because UTG uses glass, it is relatively inexpensive compared to other materials, has a stable supply, and is technologically mature. Compared to introducing new materials, it carries a lower cost burden, which is a significant advantage.

The aforementioned source stated, "Although some believe Samsung Display will not adopt the dual ultra-thin glass (UTG) structure, I think the possibility of its practical application is very high." He added, "Regardless of what other technologies are available, the necessity of cost reduction must be considered." He further added, "Samsung Electronics will explore various solutions, taking into account factors such as weight, price, heat generation, and yield rate."