There are reports that Samsung may launch another foldable phone this year. After a couple of mishaps, the Galaxy Fold was finally released a few months back. Despite the improvements in the construction, the Polyimide screen still remains one of the most delicate parts of the Galaxy Fold. 
There are indications that next year’s Galaxy Fold may come with a permanent fix for the fragile display screen. According to sources cited by Korean website ETNews, the company will abandon its transparent polyimide solution in favour of flexible ultra-thin glass (UTG).
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The source hinted that the Samsung Display is already manufacturing the foldable displays for its next foldable smartphone mode and that a third-party firm named DOWOO INSYS has also begun manufacturing the first batch of UTG panels for Samsung. A recent report had revealed that DOWOO INSYS and SCHOTT AG are the two best ultra-thin glass manufacturers in the industry. Industry sources however disclosed that DOWWO INSYS has the upper edge and “the best technical skills when it comes to UTG” with technical skills 4-5 years ahead of its competitors.
Ultra-thin glass (UTG) may not totally eliminate the fragility of the flexible display but it is said to eliminate the crease that forms on the flexible panel along the hinge. UTG looks aesthetically more appealing but it is even more fragile than transparent polyimide. It is also costlier to produce while having a lower yield rate on the manufacturing line. A source even hinted at the UTG material being used on Samsung’s next clamshell foldable phone codenamed “Bloom,” but a second unnamed industry insider isn’t so positive about that. However, with the challenges posed by the new technology, we doubt if Samsung will use it anytime soon. Next year’s Galaxy Fold model is said to bring along a cheaper price tag. We’ll have to wait and see how this pans out.
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