iPhone with Folding Design Would Garner Interest, Despite Samsung's Early Advantage
In the ever-evolving world of technology, rumours of a foldable iPhone have been circulating for quite some time. If the whispers prove to be true, the device is expected to make its grand entrance in 2026.
Apple's deliberate and cautious approach to entering the foldable market is at the heart of this anticipated launch. The tech giant is known for perfecting technology before launching a product, and the foldable iPhone is no exception. Reports suggest that Apple has been prototyping and testing the new design for years, with production testing set for 2025 [3].
One of the key innovations Apple aims to bring to the table is a crease-free, inward-folding screen, giving the device a book-like design that sets it apart from other foldable phones [4]. This design choice aligns with market preferences and Apple’s design ethos.
In terms of display technology, Apple is partnering with Samsung Display, the market leader in flexible OLED foldable panels. This partnership allows Apple to leverage high-quality displays and focus on system-level integration and user experience [2].
The foldable iPhone's release is also strategically timed. US consumer interest in foldables remains relatively lukewarm, and Apple may be waiting to enter the market when it can make a significant impact [1]. Furthermore, the foldable iPhone could be the next major redesign after the iPhone X era, aiming to revitalise iPhone sales with a fresh form factor [4].
Other details about the rumoured device remain unclear. For instance, it's unknown if the foldable iPhone will use a hybrid operating system, combining iOS and iPad OS. It's also uncertain what Apple will do to stand out in the foldable phone market if the device is indeed released [5].
The rumoured foldable iPhone is predicted to have a 7.76-inch inner OLED display and a 5.49-inch outer screen. The front screen is said to be 5.5-inches, smaller than many current iPhone models [6]. The device is also expected to have a high resolution of 13:9 aspect ratio and approximately 428 pixels per inch (PPI) [7].
One feature that sets the rumoured foldable iPhone apart is the absence of an under-screen selfie camera, a feature found in some current foldable devices [8]. Instead, it's rumoured that the device will have an integrated touch sensor in the display panel.
As we await the official unveiling, the answers to many questions about the foldable iPhone will undoubtedly be fascinating. The foldable phone feels like one of the last smartphone design shifts left to happen, and all brands will eventually join the party. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.
[1] https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-is-reportedly-working-on-a-foldable-iphone-with-a-crease-free-display/ [2] https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20220922PD257_p3.html [3] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-22/apple-said-to-be-testing-foldable-iphone-prototypes-ahead-of-2026-launch [4] https://www.macrumors.com/2022/09/22/apple-crease-free-foldable-iphone-book-like-design/ [5] https://www.macrumors.com/2022/09/22/apple-foldable-iphone-hybrid-operating-system-speculation/ [6] https://www.macrumors.com/2022/09/22/apple-foldable-iphone-screen-sizes-rumored/ [7] https://www.macrumors.com/2022/09/22/apple-foldable-iphone-resolution-rumored/ [8] https://www.macrumors.com/2022/09/22/apple-foldable-iphone-under-screen-selfie-camera-rumored-not-included/
Apple is expected to collaborate with Samsung Display, the market leader in flexible OLED foldable panels, for the display technology of the anticipated foldable iPhone. The device is predicted to have a differentiating feature from other foldable phones, as it may not include an under-screen selfie camera, instead featuring an integrated touch sensor in the display panel.
