Samsung has just given us a preview of the creaseless iPhone Ultra display

Samsung just showed off the display technology that might finally convince Apple to enter the foldable phone market. According to reports, the Korean display maker has cracked the creaseless screen problem that's been holding back Apple's rumored iPhone Ultra for years.

Apple has reportedly been waiting on the sidelines of the foldable revolution because earlier flexible displays had two dealbreakers: a visible crease down the middle and questionable long-term durability. For a company that built its reputation on premium fit and finish, shipping a phone with a permanent wrinkle was never going to fly. Samsung Display, Apple's long-time screen supplier, appears to have finally delivered a solution that meets Cupertino's exacting standards.

The timing matters because the foldable market is maturing fast. Samsung, Motorola, and Chinese manufacturers have been iterating for years while Apple watched from the sidelines. That patience might pay off. By waiting for genuinely creaseless technology, Apple could leapfrog the awkward early generations and launch a foldable that feels like a finished product rather than an experiment.

This also signals where premium smartphone innovation is heading. We're reaching the limits of what you can do with a flat slab of glass. Foldables, rollables, and other flexible form factors are the next frontier for differentiation in a market where most flagship phones now feel interchangeable. Apple entering this space would validate the category and likely accelerate adoption across the industry.

The real question is what Apple will do with a foldable that others haven't. The hardware is only half the story. iOS would need significant rethinking to make folding feel essential rather than gimmicky. Split-screen multitasking, app continuity as you fold and unfold, and new interaction patterns all need to feel native, not bolted on.

For AI workflows, a larger foldable screen could be transformative. Imagine reviewing AI-generated documents or code on a tablet-sized display that fits in your pocket, or running side-by-side AI chat sessions for comparing outputs from different models. The extra screen real estate makes these multi-app AI workflows far more practical on mobile.

What this means for you: If you're waiting to see if foldables are worth the investment, Apple's eventual entry will be the signal that the technology is ready for mainstream professional use. In the meantime, start thinking about which of your mobile AI workflows would benefit from more screen space. Try this prompt with your AI assistant: "Help me design a mobile workspace layout for a foldable device that optimizes for [your specific workflow, such as writing, coding, or research]. Show me how to use split-screen effectively with AI tools."