According to a TrendForce report, Apple has adopted a new approach in the development of foldable devices, treating the folding issue as a materials science challenge. Instead of solely focusing on the hinge structure, it manages stress distribution by redesigning the internal adhesive layers of the screen. Apple uses a multi-ion exchange process to treat the glass panel, with deep strengthening in flat areas and light treatment in the hinge area, achieving non-uniform pressure distribution. The dynamic stress management mechanism converts bending stress into elastic potential energy, suppressing permanent deformation. Laboratory tests show that after 100,000 consecutive folds, the screen flatness remains above 98% of its initial state.
