Apple is working on a new kind of iPhone that can fold like a flip phone, according to a report by The Intelligence, citing a person with direct knowledge. The company is developing at least two prototypes of foldable iPhones, which can bend in the middle and fit in your pocket.
How would a foldable iPhone work?
Unlike some other foldable phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Apple’s designs do not fold vertically like a book, but horizontally like a clamshell. This means that the phone would have a smaller outer screen that could display notifications and other information, and a larger inner screen that would be revealed when the phone is opened.
The report claims that Apple is testing different hinge mechanisms and folding configurations for its prototypes. One of them is said to have a visible hinge, similar to the Motorola Razr, while the other has a hidden hinge, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. The hidden hinge would allow the phone to fold completely flat, without leaving a gap between the two halves.
Apple is also experimenting with different screen sizes for its foldable iPhones, ranging from 7 to 8 inches when unfolded. This would make them larger than the current iPhone 12 Pro Max, which has a 6.7-inch screen. However, the foldable iPhones would be much more compact when folded, making them easier to carry and use with one hand.
Why is Apple making a foldable iPhone?
Apple is known for being a leader in innovation and design, and a foldable iPhone would be a way for the company to showcase its technological prowess and creativity. A foldable iPhone would also offer more screen space and versatility than a traditional iPhone, as it could be used in different modes and orientations.
For example, a foldable iPhone could be used as a mini tablet when unfolded, as a regular smartphone when partially folded, or as a digital wallet or camera when fully folded. A foldable iPhone could also support multitasking and split-screen features, allowing users to run multiple apps at the same time on the same device.
Additionally, a foldable iPhone could appeal to consumers who are looking for something new and different in the smartphone market, which has become saturated and stagnant in recent years. A foldable iPhone could also help Apple compete with its rivals, such as Samsung and Huawei, who have already launched several foldable phones and are planning to release more in the future.
When will a foldable iPhone be released?
The report cautions that a foldable iPhone is still in the early stages of development, and that Apple has not yet committed to releasing such a device. The report estimates that a foldable iPhone could be ready for launch in 2026 or later, depending on how the testing and refinement process goes.
Apple has not officially confirmed or denied the report, but it is known that the company has filed several patents related to foldable screens and hinges in the past. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who often has reliable insight into Apple’s plans, also said in 2021 that Apple experimented with an 8-inch foldable iPhone with a flexible OLED display and a 9-inch foldable device.
However, Apple is also known for being cautious and meticulous when it comes to introducing new products, and it often waits until the technology is mature and reliable enough to meet its high standards of quality and performance. Apple is also unlikely to release a foldable iPhone unless it can offer a compelling user experience and a clear value proposition to its customers.
Therefore, it may take a while before we see a foldable iPhone in the market, and there is no guarantee that it will ever happen. But if it does, it could be a game-changer for the smartphone industry and a glimpse into the future of mobile devices.
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