Buzz
Foldable phones are predicted to be the trend in the near future. From 2019 until now, several big names in the tech industry have introduced their foldable products, such as LG, Motorola, Huawei, Xiaomi, and more recently, OPPO and vivo. Even the brand from the land of kimchi, Samsung, has already unveiled three generations of foldable phones. However, Apple remains silent in this predicted future battleground.Rumors have been circulating for many years
Rumors surrounding the foldable iPhone have been circulating since 2016, with Samsung and LG speculated to collaborate with Apple on foldable displays. Recent collaborations with Samsung providing displays for the iPhone have fueled further speculation of a partnership. Recent reports also indicate LG's potential involvement in developing foldable display panels for Apple's device.Last year, Apple's Asian supply chain revealed that two foldable iPhone prototypes had passed durability tests. However, this information remains unverified as it's too early for Apple to have developed a complete device.Regarding design, the iPhone Fold is expected to feature an entirely new design language, notably the disappearance of the notch. The squared edges seen in the iPhone 12 will be retained, and the camera module will no longer protrude but instead be seamlessly integrated, resulting in a completely flat design.
Most sources suggest that Apple's foldable device will be assembled with two screens connected by a hinge rather than a seamless fold like the Galaxy Z Flip. The crease in the middle of the iPhone Fold is rumored to be discreet and invisible. The size is speculated to fall between 8 to 9 inches. When folded, it will resemble an iPhone, and when unfolded, it will expand to a width close to that of an iPad mini.One aspect that could set Apple apart in the foldable device market is its unique touchscreen technology. According to Ming-Chi Kuo's predictions, Apple may implement a solution using touch-sensitive material made from nano-silver fibers.Patents filed by Apple long ago
Apple has been registering patents for foldable devices since 2016, with multiple patents featuring highly anticipated technological ideas.In 2016, Apple filed a patent describing a horizontally folding dual-screen device with OLED displays and a metal support hinge. Subsequently, to enhance hinge durability, Apple introduced a patent proposing the use of ceramic material for the hinge and an additional protective layer using chemicals. Recently, the company has mentioned self-healing materials to increase the screen's lifespan. Since traditional tempered glass cannot be used on foldable screens, a self-healing technology is needed to protect the screen.Is the market a factor Apple is cautious about?
According to leaker Dylandkt, Apple is testing multiple prototypes of foldable iPhones, but merely testing them doesn't guarantee their introduction in the near future.Numerous patents related to this new design trend by Apple have been filed, each patent addressing different aspects of device refinement, but perhaps not enough for the company to be ready for a launch.Moreover, there are too many compromises with foldable screen technology. They are expensive and have many flaws, especially the crease. Will foldable devices be embraced by users or quickly become obsolete in the coming years? While many believe foldable screens will be the future trend, no one can guarantee it.Apple may still be hesitant because they want to ensure that the foldable design does not deviate from the current iPhone aesthetic. The company seems to be waiting to see how the market responds to foldable iPhone technology.Ming-Chi Kuo predicts the arrival of the foldable iPhone in 2025
Ming-Chi Kuo has repeatedly discussed Apple's foldable device manufacturing plans. He predicts that the company is testing an 8-inch OLED foldable iPhone and another 9-inch foldable device.He once said that Apple's foldable iPhone would arrive in 2024, but recently, this 'prophet' has revised his prediction, stating that it won't be until at least 2025 that we might see the first foldable iPhone from the tech giant.
Agreeing with Ming-Chi Kuo, analyst Ross Young believes that it won't be until 2025 at the earliest that a new foldable iPhone could be unveiled.
So, what about you guys? Are you looking forward to a foldable iPhone?
