iPhone Fold leak reveals crease depth and folding angle details

A new leak from Weibo has provided concrete technical details about Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone, including specific measurements for the crease depth and folding angle that suggest the device could have one of the most subtle creases in the foldable phone market.

Nearly invisible crease measurements

Leaker Fixed Focus Digital, who has previously shared accurate information about Apple's foldable plans, posted on Weibo with specific technical specifications for the iPhone Fold's display. According to the leak, Apple has managed to control the crease depth to under 0.15mm with a fold angle below 2.5 degrees.

To put this in perspective, a standard sheet of paper is approximately 0.1mm thick. This means the crease on Apple's foldable iPhone could feel subtler than sliding your finger over two stacked sheets of paper - a remarkable engineering achievement if accurate.

What these measurements mean

The crease depth measurement refers to the physical depth of the fold when the device is closed, while the fold angle indicates how tightly the display can bend. A smaller fold angle typically results in a more pronounced crease, so Apple's achievement of keeping both measurements minimal is particularly impressive.

These specifications align with a previous report from UDN that claimed Apple had made a breakthrough allowing for a crease-free foldable iPhone. While no foldable display can be truly crease-free, Apple appears to be pushing the boundaries of what's possible with current flexible display technology.

Production timeline confirmed

Beyond the technical specifications, Fixed Focus Digital also provided updates on the production timeline. The leaker stated that "the production line has indeed seen manufacturing orders for Apple's foldable display" and confirmed that the device is "confirmed to launch this year."

This production confirmation aligns with previous reports about Apple's foldable iPhone timeline and suggests that the company's development process is proceeding as planned. The fact that manufacturing orders have been placed indicates that Apple is moving beyond the prototype stage and preparing for mass production.

Context in the foldable phone market

The foldable phone market has matured significantly since Samsung introduced the first modern foldable devices. However, the crease remains one of the most common complaints among foldable phone users. Most existing foldables have visible and tangible creases that can be distracting during use.

If Apple's measurements are accurate, the iPhone Fold could set a new standard for crease visibility in the industry. This would be particularly important for Apple, as the company tends to prioritize user experience and design polish over being first to market with new form factors.

Manufacturing challenges

Achieving such minimal crease measurements requires significant engineering advancements in several areas. The display panel itself needs to be flexible enough to fold without damage while maintaining structural integrity. The hinge mechanism must provide precise control over the folding angle while being durable enough for hundreds of thousands of folds.

Apple's reported success in this area suggests the company has solved many of the technical challenges that have plagued other foldable devices, such as screen creasing, durability issues, and inconsistent folding performance over time.

What to expect next

With manufacturing orders reportedly placed and a launch confirmed for this year, we can expect to see more leaks and rumors about the iPhone Fold in the coming months. Apple typically maintains tight control over information about unreleased products, but the complex nature of foldable devices means that more technical details often surface before launch.

The iPhone Fold represents a significant shift in Apple's product strategy, as the company has historically been cautious about adopting new form factors. The investment in solving the crease problem suggests Apple sees foldables as a meaningful evolution of the smartphone rather than a gimmick.

As we approach what appears to be the official launch window, attention will likely shift to other aspects of the device, including camera capabilities, battery life, software optimizations for the foldable form factor, and of course, the final pricing strategy Apple will adopt for what is expected to be a premium device.

The combination of minimal crease measurements and confirmed production timelines paints a picture of a well-engineered device that could help legitimize the foldable phone category in the way that the original iPhone legitimized smartphones over a decade ago.