according to the latest report from korean media outlet zdnet korea, samsung is exploring a more robust display approach for its next-generation vertically folding flagship, codenamed “wide fold”—abandoning its traditional strategy of pursuing extreme thinness in favor of ultra-thin glass (utg) measuring 60 microns thick, a 33% increase over the 45-micron utg used in the current galaxy z fold 8. this move goes beyond mere material upgrades; it directly addresses long-standing pain points of foldable screens: pronounced creases along the hinge, poor scratch and wear resistance, and diminished visual consistency after repeated folding.
for years, samsung has favored thinner utg solutions to minimize the risk of breakage during dynamic folding. however, practical experience has shown that overly thin glass suffers from inherent shortcomings in structural support and surface stability—particularly around the central hinge area, where even minor deformations can accumulate into visible dents, compromising reliability under drop tests and everyday wear and tear. meanwhile, apple, in its secretive iphone fold project, is systematically rethinking this approach—testing multiple utg thicknesses while simultaneously validating composite encapsulation techniques that combine flexible polyimide (pi) films with glass, aiming to make the folding interface “virtually invisible.”
driven by these technological trends, samsung’s decision to upgrade utg specifications represents a strategic shift—from achieving basic foldability to attaining both enhanced durability and an improved viewing experience. while thicker glass brings challenges such as higher costs, increased complexity in hinge integration, and extended validation cycles for overall device longevity, it also provides a new foundation for sustained quality control in high‑intensity usage scenarios. industry consensus holds that a 200,000‑fold lifespan has become the minimum threshold for premium foldable devices, requiring deep synergy among glass materials, hinge design, adhesive technologies, and structural engineering to meet this goal.
as apple prepares to begin mass production of the iphone fold around the end of this year, the entire foldable ecosystem is accelerating into a critical phase of material and process innovation. although the specific launch date, specifications, and official name of the “wide fold” remain unannounced, and related rumors carry only moderate credibility, industry signals are clear: minimizing creasing will no longer rely on isolated optimizations but will instead demand systematic breakthroughs across utg thickness, composite film layers, precision hinges, and intelligent bonding technologies. the competitive yet collaborative interplay between apple and samsung over underlying foldable‑screen materials may redefine the technical benchmarks and user experience standards for foldable devices over the next three years.
