Advanced adhesive is drawing attention as a key technology to minimise display creases in Apple's first foldable iPhone. Analysts say the adhesive, which fills tiny bumps and grooves, could play a decisive role in a structure combining multiple technologies.

On April 13, IT outlet NineToFiveMac cited a TrendForce report as saying Apple is applying a multi-faceted approach to reduce creases, a persistent problem with foldable displays. It said a special adhesive that corrects minor unevenness in the folding area has been identified as a key variable.

In the foldable smartphone market, display creases have been seen as a major weakness. Early products left a clear crease at the fold, and it was cited as a factor that reduced visual completeness. Apple has been reported to have delayed the launch of a foldable iPhone for years partly because it judged the problem had not been sufficiently resolved. Apple repeatedly asked for revisions while reviewing prototypes from its display partner Samsung Electronics, and its internal design team was also reported to have been deeply involved in solving the issue.

TrendForce analysed that Apple is reducing creases by combining multiple elements rather than relying on a single technology. Some approaches have been disclosed through patents, using structural design together with materials technology. Among them, the special adhesive fills tiny gaps created where the screen folds, easing irregularities that lead to visible creases. The key principle is maintaining enough fluidity to fill minute spaces.

It is not yet confirmed what structure will be applied to an actual product. The prevailing view in the market is that Apple will not release the product until it secures a certain level of completeness. While assessments say the crease problem has improved considerably, some analysis also suggests additional technological progress was needed to reduce it to a near-invisible level.

The launch timing and product name are also in focus. The market is weighing the possibility that Apple could unveil its first foldable iPhone within this year, and some forecasts say it could be separated into a premium line such as an "iPhone Ultra". In that case, a different pricing and product strategy from existing bar-type iPhones is likely to be applied.

Its market impact is also expected to be significant. TrendForce forecast Apple could secure about 20 percent of the foldable smartphone market share in the first year of launch. It said that if the screen-crease problem is noticeably improved, Apple could drive market expansion by emphasising hardware completeness.

The key question is how far Apple has resolved the crease issue and whether it can implement it stably in mass production. If the composite design, including the special adhesive, is applied to the actual product, Apple is expected to begin in earnest a differentiation strategy in the foldable market centred on completeness.