Apple reportedly taps LG to develop iPhone folding display
Apple has reportedly tapped LG Display to aid in the development of a foldable screen for a future iPhone, according to a new report.
Credit: AppleInsider
Sources within Apple's supply chain told DigiTimes that LG is helping with development of a folding display, though it isn't clear if the company will supply the panels once production has started.
This is far from the first time that LG was said to be working on a foldable display for Apple. The company picked up Apple and other technology giants as the first customers for the technology in 2016. A report a year later indicated that LG had a "task force" working on a flexible OLED display for an iPhone model.
Along with LG, Apple is also said to be sourcing prototype displays from Samsung for a so-called "iPhone Fold" device. Currently, Apple sources display panels from both LG Display and Samsung Display, so it's possible that the Cupertino company is working with both suppliers and hasn't excluded one for the other.
A report in January indicated that Apple was starting early development work on a folding iPhone. At the time, the level of development was said to not have progressed beyond the screen.
The company's work on folding device technology, however, is evident in the numerous patents and patent applications that have been filed over the past few years.
Credit: AppleInsider
Sources within Apple's supply chain told DigiTimes that LG is helping with development of a folding display, though it isn't clear if the company will supply the panels once production has started.
This is far from the first time that LG was said to be working on a foldable display for Apple. The company picked up Apple and other technology giants as the first customers for the technology in 2016. A report a year later indicated that LG had a "task force" working on a flexible OLED display for an iPhone model.
Along with LG, Apple is also said to be sourcing prototype displays from Samsung for a so-called "iPhone Fold" device. Currently, Apple sources display panels from both LG Display and Samsung Display, so it's possible that the Cupertino company is working with both suppliers and hasn't excluded one for the other.
A report in January indicated that Apple was starting early development work on a folding iPhone. At the time, the level of development was said to not have progressed beyond the screen.
The company's work on folding device technology, however, is evident in the numerous patents and patent applications that have been filed over the past few years.
Comments
By the way ... if you check this site's archives circa 2013 and much of 2014 there were a bunch of comments AND ARTICLES to the effect of "who wants a phone bigger than 4 inches anyway?" and claims that they were terrible, ungainly, that Apple's design was "perfect for one-handed use" etc.
And if you check this site's archives circa 2014 there were similar comments "who wants a smartwatch? It is just a tablet on your wrist!".
Then it was "who wants OLED! LCD doesn't oversaturate colors!"
"Who wants curved screens! A gimmick!" (Just like widgets and NFC/mobile payments were prior ... said you folks on this very blog.)
"Who wants 120Hz or under screen finger print scanners?" (You guys will when iPhones with them launch in a few months.)
"Who needs 5G?" (According to sales figures ... lots of people did.)
"Who needs a stylus?" (Tons of iPad owners.)
Every. Single. Thing. That. Apple. Adopts. After. Android. We. Go. Through. This.
Folks, you have to realize: Apple doesn't adopt every single Android idea. For example: the next thing that Apple adopts from the failed Pixel line will be the first. Apple also hasn't adopted anything from LG since ... LG abandoned sensible smartphone making to go with their total lack of marketing. Apple only copies from Samsung. Why? Because Samsung is successful. They are the #1 smartphone vendor in the world and have been since 2011. So if Samsung comes up with an idea that works, that validates it in Apple's eyes.
1. Despite what you guys wish to believe, Samsung is GREAT at hardware and design especially as it relates to components. So by copying Samsung they aren't copying bad products. In contrast with - again - Google whose Pixel line gets hit with lawsuits and recalls nearly every year
2. While it isn't anywhere near as large as Apple's, Samsung has a fanbase that is very loyal but also VERY DEMANDING. If it pleases Samsung customers, it will please iPhone customers too. Meanwhile if it doesn't work out, Samsung themselves will drop it before Apple starts to seriously consider it.
It's been like this since at least 2013 folks. I don't know why you guys try to act surprised or think that it is ever going to change. But the feedback from Galaxy Flip fans and Galaxy Fold 2 fans (the original Galaxy Fold not so much) have been outstanding. Which means that when you guys get your folding iPhones you will love them too. This will be good for Apple, good for iPhone owners, good for Android owners - because when Apple comes out with an Android feature lots more components get manufactured driving the price down ... curved screens can be had on phones that cost as little as $200 for example - everyone wins. What is there to be down about?
Samsung invented styluses? Samsung invented 5G? Samsung invented mobile payments? I suppose Samsung invented the smartphone too...
I mean, Samsung has been early to market with some things. Ok. But that is a very long way from meaning Apple is copying them.
I've put him on my ignore list but sometimes I see his rants when other reply. Not worth the time to respond to him.
unfolded is only about 1,5 inch (slightly bigger than iPhone Max)?
Not to mention that you will walk around the all day with two phones sticked together in your pocket.
For the same money I can have an iPhone and an 11 inch iPad (Android and Samsung free).