Google’s next generation foldable smartphone, the Pixel 12 Pro Fold, could introduce a significant display upgrade aimed at reducing one of the biggest challenges associated with foldable devices. According to industry reports from South Korea, Google is expected to adopt a dual ultra thin glass, or UTG, display structure for its upcoming foldable smartphone. The reported change could help make the display crease less visible while improving the overall user experience. The Pixel 12 Pro Fold would succeed the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, which delivered solid performance but received criticism for offering only limited improvements over the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and remaining bulkier than several competing foldable smartphones.
The report, published by The Elec, claims that Google is working alongside Oppo and Vivo to implement the new dual UTG design in their next generation foldable devices. Apple is also expected to adopt the same technology with its upcoming iPhone Ultra, making it one of the first smartphones to feature this display structure. Unlike conventional foldable displays, the dual UTG approach places one sheet of ultra thin glass above the OLED display panel and another beneath it. Each glass layer is designed with different properties that work together to reduce the appearance of the foldable crease around the hinge area while maintaining display durability. If the report proves accurate, Google would be following a similar direction by introducing the technology in the Pixel 12 Pro Fold as part of its efforts to enhance display quality and improve the overall foldable experience.
The report further states that Samsung Display is currently developing prototype OLED panels featuring the dual UTG structure specifically for Google’s requirements. Mass production of these displays is reportedly expected to begin next year, indicating that the technology could be ready in time for Google’s next foldable smartphone launch. While Google has not officially confirmed these reports, the move would represent one of the most meaningful hardware upgrades for the Pixel foldable lineup in recent years. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold introduced only incremental refinements over its predecessor, leaving room for more substantial improvements in future models. By focusing on display technology, Google could address one of the most noticeable concerns among foldable smartphone users while strengthening its position in an increasingly competitive market.
The rumored approach differs from the strategy recently adopted by Samsung for its Galaxy Z Fold 8. Instead of using a dual ultra thin glass structure, Samsung chose to improve display rigidity by integrating a titanium alloy film and support plate beneath the OLED panel. Both approaches share the same objective of reducing the visible crease while improving durability, but they rely on different engineering solutions. As foldable smartphone manufacturers continue to refine their designs, the coming year could provide a clearer comparison between these competing technologies. Whether Google’s reported adoption of dual UTG delivers a noticeable improvement over Samsung’s titanium based solution remains to be seen, but the latest industry reports suggest that display innovation will remain a major focus for premium foldable smartphones in 2027.
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