The anticipation surrounding potential folding devices from Apple has intensified with the discovery of a patent held by the company, hinting at a solution to minimize the crease in the display.

Folding phones have drawn significant scrutiny, particularly regarding the visible crease that emerges when the device is folded. Manufacturers have experimented with various techniques to mitigate this issue, such as implementing support mechanisms behind the surface. However, it's widely acknowledged that some degree of difference in the folding portion of the screen is inevitable.

According to the patent, Apple plans to utilize a thinner section of the display in the folding area, incorporating a chemical treatment to safeguard the glass surface. This innovative approach could potentially result in a more robust display, potentially paving the way for a folding iPhone.

While cracking hasn't been a major concern for folding displays, delamination poses a significant challenge. Repeated folding can lead to the separation of display layers, initially occurring at the edges and spreading towards the center. This not only impacts the aesthetics but can also impair touch functionality, rendering the affected portion unusable. Devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip models have exhibited susceptibility to this issue.

As for the timeline of Apple's entry into the folding device market, it remains uncertain. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that Apple's first folding device could be a Mac with a 20.3-inch display, potentially slated for release in 2027. While Apple has reportedly tested various panels for folding iPhones and iPads, dissatisfaction with the results may have prompted the development of the patent. This pursuit of perfection could give Apple an edge over competitors in the folding device space.

Despite advancements in folding displays by companies like Samsung and LG, achieving perfection across the entire display remains a challenge. Ultimately, both Apple and its customers may need to accept that folding phones will exhibit some differences in certain areas of the display.