The successor to the Galaxy Z Fold7 (pictured here) is expected to offer a completely crease-free display, similar to Apple's first iPhone Fold. (Image source: Techdroider)The successor to the Galaxy Z Fold7 (pictured here) is expected to offer a completely crease-free display, similar to Apple’s first iPhone Fold. (Image source: Techdroider)

A well-known Apple analyst has provided the first concrete clue about the successor to the Galaxy Z Fold7, which will face direct competition for the first time in 2026 from a new and presumably very powerful opponent: Apple and its very first iPhone Fold.

Such early leaks should always be taken with a pinch of salt, but this one comes from a prominent analyst who is highly respected, at least among Apple fans. Whether Ming-Chi Kuo’s prediction will come true remains to be seen, of course. Based on an analysis of Apple’s supply chain, he assumes that both Apple and Samsung will opt for a completely crease-free display for their foldables next year.

The Galaxy Z Fold7 already seems to have improved significantly in this regard, judging by the reports of early testers. They all report a significantly less visible crease in the center of the flexible AMOLED panel than on the previous model. Apple’s strict requirements for a completely crease-free display in the first iPhone Fold, which is expected to launch in September 2026, is also good news for Samsung fans, as it is forcing to the company to keep pace.

According to Ming-Chi Kuo, both Apple and Samsung will utilize a display solution consisting of ASP laser-drilled metal plates underneath the AMOLED panel, which will apparently come exclusively from one manufacturer and prevent the formation of the unsightly groove at the fold. Fans of both brands can thus look forward to crease-free display foldables in 2026.

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Alexander Fagot

As a young tech enthusiast with a history involving assembling and overclocking projects, I ended up working as a projectionist with good old 35-mm films before I entered the computer world at a professional level. I assisted customers at an Austrian IT service provider called Iphos IT Solutions for seven years, working as a Windows client and server administrator as well as a project manager. As a freelancer who travels a lot, I have been able to write for Notebookcheck from all corners of the world since 2016. My articles cover brand-new mobile technologies in smartphones, laptops, and gadgets of all kinds.

Jacob FisherTranslator: Jacob Fisher – Translator – 1938 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2022

Growing up in regional Australia, I first became acquainted with computers in my early teens after a broken leg from a football (soccer) match temporarily condemned me to a predominately indoor lifestyle. Soon afterwards I was building my own systems. Now I live in Germany, having moved here in 2014, where I study philosophy and anthropology. I am particularly fascinated by how computer technology has fundamentally and dramatically reshaped human culture, and how it continues to do so.