Learn about the iPhone Fold's glare issues due to its energy-efficient display technology, including CoE filters and flexible glass, affecting outdoor use.
© A. Krivonosov
The new foldable iPhone Fold from Apple promises a thin, energy-efficient display with minimal creasing. However, experts caution that the chosen technology could lead to noticeable glare issues in bright sunlight.
The iPhone Fold is expected to feature a modified hinge made from "liquid metal" and ultra-thin flexible glass (UFG), along with a Color Filter on Encapsulation (CoE) applied directly to the OLED panel. This combination reduces power consumption and makes the screen lighter, but it also increases reflectivity.
For comparison, the same CoE filter in the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra raised reflection from 1.5% to 2.8%. Given that iPhone screens already have high reflectivity traditionally, applying the CoE filter to the iPhone Fold could intensify sun glare, making outdoor use less comfortable.
Overall, despite technological innovations and improved display flexibility, iPhone Fold users should anticipate potential reflection problems in bright conditions.