Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 may come with a crease-less display: Key details

Samsung Galaxy Fold

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and foldable iPhone use similar OLED tech, differ in support.
• Samsung uses metal for durability; Apple chooses glass for clarity and uniformity
• Both devices to launch in H2 with unique camera setups

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A new report from ZDNet Korea sheds light on a key technical divergence between Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Apple’s long-rumoured foldable iPhone. While both devices are expected to use the same core OLED layer developed by Samsung Display, the final panels will not be identical. The difference lies in how each company chooses to reinforce the display.

According to the report, the crease-less OLED panel showcased at CES 2026 will be used in the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Apple, however, will opt for a slightly different version of the panel, primarily because it is using glass as a structural support layer, while Samsung’s mobile division, Samsung MX, has chosen a metal reinforcing plate.

In traditional foldable OLED panels, a polyethylene terephthalate film is used to provide structural support. Samsung Display has now replaced this with a metal plate, improving rigidity and long-term durability. Apple’s approach reportedly swaps that layer out for glass, which may offer different advantages in optical clarity and uniformity, but comes with its own trade-offs when it comes to folding stress.

Despite these differences, the underlying OLED stack remains largely the same. Foldable smartphone displays typically consist of a polyimide substrate, a backplate, the OLED element itself, a touch sensor, and an ultra-thin glass layer. These layers are bonded together using optical clear adhesive, which functions as both an adhesive and a buffer.

Samsung Display has reportedly modified this OCA layer for the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The new formulation reduces stiffness compared to previous generations, allowing more flexible cushioning between the OLED layer and the ultra-thin glass during folding. This change plays a significant role in reducing visible wrinkles and creases over time, giving Samsung an edge in perceived display quality.

Both the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Apple’s foldable iPhone are expected to launch in the second half of the year. Samsung is also said to be working on a wider Fold 8 variant, potentially closer in aspect ratio to Apple’s design.

Where Apple may counter is in software. A foldable iPhone could introduce fresh UI ideas and tighter app optimisation, while Samsung is expected to maintain advantages in camera hardware and charging speeds. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is rumoured to feature a 200MP primary camera, a 50MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto, while Apple’s foldable is expected to stick with a dual-camera setup. Both devices are said to use side-mounted fingerprint sensors.