iPhone Fold screen may wrap around the case

AppleInsider

The iPhone Fold may buck the trend of having the screen on the inside, with one analyst believing it could wrap around the iPhone when folded up.

A render of a possible iPhone Fold, with an internal folding display as opposed to an external one.

The basic design of most foldable smartphones is that the screen is on the inside of the fold when it's at its smallest. For Apple's long-rumored effort, it may work the opposite way.

According to a note to investors seen by AppleInsider, Jeff Pu of Haitong International believes the iPhone Fold will use a "wrap around foldable design." Pu adds that Apple's 7.9-inch device should be in the same vein as the Huawei Mate Xs 2.

In translation, the display will be on the outside when the device is folded up. This can help make the screen less susceptible to damage from creases due to the far wider radius in how it bends around the device compared to a crisp fold.

At the same time, it does place the screen in more danger of scratches and scuffs, since it is exposed on both sides of the closed device.

Huawei Mate Xs 2

As for when it will arrive, Pu believes it could be a 2026 release for Apple. This is somewhat early compared to other analyst forecasts, which foresee a 2027 release at earliest.

The iPhone Fold wasn't the only flexible device Pu mentioned in the note. He went on to talk about a 20.3-inch MacBook that could fold up as well.

Pu is guessing that the larger device could start mass production in late 2025.

Rumor Score: Possible

Read on AppleInsider

40domi

So we swap the crease for scratches, cracks and oily thumb prints....highly unlikely.
I'm not convinced Apple will launch a foldable either, by the time they're ready, the fad will be over in China, just as it's over in the Western world.

melgross

I hope not. That’s a stupid idea. Huawei tried that for their first model and it was mocked and a failure. There’s no easy way to protect a folding screen.

austinbaze

In a long line of bad ideas, this one moves to the top. Not only don't we need a phone that's twice as thick as the one we currently have, with a hinge designed to fail as rapidly as possible, but now you tell me they're considering putting the part that scratches the most on the outside? What sentient being thinks this is possibly a good idea?

This is the answer to the marketing question no one ever asked: "Hey can you make me a phone that's designed to fail rapidly at a hinge I don't need and  get scratched often and is twice as thick as the one I currently have in my pocket?" Cause I'll buy the hell out of that thing.

applezulu

Not going to happen. 

avon b7

melgross said:

I hope not. That’s a stupid idea. Huawei tried that for their first model and it was mocked and a failure. There’s no easy way to protect a folding screen.

It's not a stupid idea, nor was it mocked (at least by most reviewers - though some will mock anything for a click). 

Mate X:

"The Huawei Mate X might be the first foldable phone you seriously consider paying gobs of money for in 2019. Its solid-feeling hinge allows this handset to fold up, transforming from full 8-inch tablet into a more-traditional-looking 6.6-inch and 6.38-inch smartphone with a screen on either side. It feels like you're holding the future in your hand, just know that your transformative euphoria over this phone comes at a very high price."

Mate Xs:

"A foldable phone that expands into a tablet has been thought of as the next form factor for mobile devices. Huawei has thrown conventional design out of the window with Mate Xs by placing the foldable screen on the outside and we think this design makes great sense as you're not stuck with a secondary smaller display"

Mate Xs2:

"This unique, wraparound foldable design opens up a wealth of advantages, showcased by the Mate Xs 2's predecessor. These include a thinner body, a larger tablet screen, and a comfortable front display when in smartphone mode. That's versus the hyper-tall 25:9 cover screen on the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Z Fold 3 that's super-narrow."

(All comments from Tech Radar). 

It is an idea that, like most folding options, has pros and cons. 

You protect a folding screen by looking after it. You protect an outer folding screen by taking extra care. Especially given the asking price. 

Even slab phones are used in pouches and users slip them in and out. They are perfect for 'outside screen' folders.

The main advantages are, ehem, twofold. 

Less screens on device and and a thinner overall design. 

In the case of the above mentioned Huawei variants, most of the hardware is placed in a balanced 'grip'. A single strip that allows the rest of the phone to be extra thin. 

And don't forget the model mentioned here is the XS2. The third model  of the design.

It's all a question of options. How many types of folding options are there? Or you fold 'in' or you fold 'out' (although tri-folding phones are coming, it seems). That is it. 

Huawei has brought both types to market. 

If you fold 'in' you need an extra screen. If you don't fold in, you don't, but the tradeoff is the screen is less protected. Let's forget for a moment that phones that fold 'in' also have that extra screen facing down on a surface when it gets fully opened. 

I will mention though that the frames are designed so as to keep the screens off of flat surfaces. 

That does not eliminate the tradeoff completely. 

You choose what you prefer based on your needs/preferences/budget... 

sbdude

avon b7 said:

melgross said:

I hope not. That’s a stupid idea. Huawei tried that for their first model and it was mocked and a failure. There’s no easy way to protect a folding screen.

It's not a stupid idea, nor was it mocked (at least by most reviewers - though some will mock anything for a click). 

Mate X:

"The Huawei Mate X might be the first foldable phone you seriously consider paying gobs of money for in 2019. Its solid-feeling hinge allows this handset to fold up, transforming from full 8-inch tablet into a more-traditional-looking 6.6-inch and 6.38-inch smartphone with a screen on either side. It feels like you're holding the future in your hand, just know that your transformative euphoria over this phone comes at a very high price."

Mate Xs:

"A foldable phone that expands into a tablet has been thought of as the next form factor for mobile devices. Huawei has thrown conventional design out of the window with Mate Xs by placing the foldable screen on the outside and we think this design makes great sense as you're not stuck with a secondary smaller display"

Mate Xs2:

"This unique, wraparound foldable design opens up a wealth of advantages, showcased by the Mate Xs 2's predecessor. These include a thinner body, a larger tablet screen, and a comfortable front display when in smartphone mode. That's versus the hyper-tall 25:9 cover screen on the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Z Fold 3 that's super-narrow."

(All comments from Tech Radar). 

It is an idea that, like most folding options, has pros and cons. 

You protect a folding screen by looking after it. You protect an outer folding screen by taking extra care. Especially given the asking price. 

Even slab phones are used in pouches and users slip them in and out. They are perfect for 'outside screen' folders.

The main advantages are, ehem, twofold. 

Less screens on device and and a thinner overall design. 

In the case of the above mentioned Huawei variants, most of the hardware is placed in a balanced 'grip'. A single strip that allows the rest of the phone to be extra thin. 

And don't forget the model mentioned here is the XS2. The third model  of the design.

It's all a question of options. How many types of folding options are there? Or you fold 'in' or you fold 'out' (although tri-folding phones are coming, it seems). That is it. 

Huawei has brought both types to market. 

If you fold 'in' you need an extra screen. If you don't fold in, you don't, but the tradeoff is the screen is less protected. Let's forget for a moment that phones that fold 'in' also have that extra screen facing down on a surface when it gets fully opened. 

I will mention though that the frames are designed so as to keep the screens off of flat surfaces. 

That does not eliminate the tradeoff completely. 

You choose what you prefer based on your needs/preferences/budget... 

At least we know one blog likes a foldable phone. That should be reason enough, right? Right?!?

avon b7

sbdude said:

avon b7 said:

melgross said:

I hope not. That’s a stupid idea. Huawei tried that for their first model and it was mocked and a failure. There’s no easy way to protect a folding screen.

It's not a stupid idea, nor was it mocked (at least by most reviewers - though some will mock anything for a click). 

Mate X:

"The Huawei Mate X might be the first foldable phone you seriously consider paying gobs of money for in 2019. Its solid-feeling hinge allows this handset to fold up, transforming from full 8-inch tablet into a more-traditional-looking 6.6-inch and 6.38-inch smartphone with a screen on either side. It feels like you're holding the future in your hand, just know that your transformative euphoria over this phone comes at a very high price."

Mate Xs:

"A foldable phone that expands into a tablet has been thought of as the next form factor for mobile devices. Huawei has thrown conventional design out of the window with Mate Xs by placing the foldable screen on the outside and we think this design makes great sense as you're not stuck with a secondary smaller display"

Mate Xs2:

"This unique, wraparound foldable design opens up a wealth of advantages, showcased by the Mate Xs 2's predecessor. These include a thinner body, a larger tablet screen, and a comfortable front display when in smartphone mode. That's versus the hyper-tall 25:9 cover screen on the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Z Fold 3 that's super-narrow."

(All comments from Tech Radar). 

It is an idea that, like most folding options, has pros and cons. 

You protect a folding screen by looking after it. You protect an outer folding screen by taking extra care. Especially given the asking price. 

Even slab phones are used in pouches and users slip them in and out. They are perfect for 'outside screen' folders.

The main advantages are, ehem, twofold. 

Less screens on device and and a thinner overall design. 

In the case of the above mentioned Huawei variants, most of the hardware is placed in a balanced 'grip'. A single strip that allows the rest of the phone to be extra thin. 

And don't forget the model mentioned here is the XS2. The third model  of the design.

It's all a question of options. How many types of folding options are there? Or you fold 'in' or you fold 'out' (although tri-folding phones are coming, it seems). That is it. 

Huawei has brought both types to market. 

If you fold 'in' you need an extra screen. If you don't fold in, you don't, but the tradeoff is the screen is less protected. Let's forget for a moment that phones that fold 'in' also have that extra screen facing down on a surface when it gets fully opened. 

I will mention though that the frames are designed so as to keep the screens off of flat surfaces. 

That does not eliminate the tradeoff completely. 

You choose what you prefer based on your needs/preferences/budget... 

At least we know one blog likes a foldable phone. That should be reason enough, right? Right?!?

It was simple. One site that had commented on all three models. 

Google for yourself and let me know how many call the design stupid and mock it. 

muthuk_vanalingam

sbdude said:

avon b7 said:

melgross said:

I hope not. That’s a stupid idea. Huawei tried that for their first model and it was mocked and a failure. There’s no easy way to protect a folding screen.

It's not a stupid idea, nor was it mocked (at least by most reviewers - though some will mock anything for a click). 

Mate X:

"The Huawei Mate X might be the first foldable phone you seriously consider paying gobs of money for in 2019. Its solid-feeling hinge allows this handset to fold up, transforming from full 8-inch tablet into a more-traditional-looking 6.6-inch and 6.38-inch smartphone with a screen on either side. It feels like you're holding the future in your hand, just know that your transformative euphoria over this phone comes at a very high price."

Mate Xs:

"A foldable phone that expands into a tablet has been thought of as the next form factor for mobile devices. Huawei has thrown conventional design out of the window with Mate Xs by placing the foldable screen on the outside and we think this design makes great sense as you're not stuck with a secondary smaller display"

Mate Xs2:

"This unique, wraparound foldable design opens up a wealth of advantages, showcased by the Mate Xs 2's predecessor. These include a thinner body, a larger tablet screen, and a comfortable front display when in smartphone mode. That's versus the hyper-tall 25:9 cover screen on the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Z Fold 3 that's super-narrow."

(All comments from Tech Radar). 

It is an idea that, like most folding options, has pros and cons. 

You protect a folding screen by looking after it. You protect an outer folding screen by taking extra care. Especially given the asking price. 

Even slab phones are used in pouches and users slip them in and out. They are perfect for 'outside screen' folders.

The main advantages are, ehem, twofold. 

Less screens on device and and a thinner overall design. 

In the case of the above mentioned Huawei variants, most of the hardware is placed in a balanced 'grip'. A single strip that allows the rest of the phone to be extra thin. 

And don't forget the model mentioned here is the XS2. The third model  of the design.

It's all a question of options. How many types of folding options are there? Or you fold 'in' or you fold 'out' (although tri-folding phones are coming, it seems). That is it. 

Huawei has brought both types to market. 

If you fold 'in' you need an extra screen. If you don't fold in, you don't, but the tradeoff is the screen is less protected. Let's forget for a moment that phones that fold 'in' also have that extra screen facing down on a surface when it gets fully opened. 

I will mention though that the frames are designed so as to keep the screens off of flat surfaces. 

That does not eliminate the tradeoff completely. 

You choose what you prefer based on your needs/preferences/budget... 

At least we know one blog likes a foldable phone. That should be reason enough, right? Right?!?

How about reviews from another website on other foldables? 

Oppo Find N3 review: Design, build quality, handling (gsmarena.com)

Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 review: Design, build quality, handling (gsmarena.com)

edited June 2024

melgross

avon b7 said:

melgross said:

I hope not. That’s a stupid idea. Huawei tried that for their first model and it was mocked and a failure. There’s no easy way to protect a folding screen.

It's not a stupid idea, nor was it mocked (at least by most reviewers - though some will mock anything for a click). 

Mate X:

"The Huawei Mate X might be the first foldable phone you seriously consider paying gobs of money for in 2019. Its solid-feeling hinge allows this handset to fold up, transforming from full 8-inch tablet into a more-traditional-looking 6.6-inch and 6.38-inch smartphone with a screen on either side. It feels like you're holding the future in your hand, just know that your transformative euphoria over this phone comes at a very high price."

Mate Xs:

"A foldable phone that expands into a tablet has been thought of as the next form factor for mobile devices. Huawei has thrown conventional design out of the window with Mate Xs by placing the foldable screen on the outside and we think this design makes great sense as you're not stuck with a secondary smaller display"

Mate Xs2:

"This unique, wraparound foldable design opens up a wealth of advantages, showcased by the Mate Xs 2's predecessor. These include a thinner body, a larger tablet screen, and a comfortable front display when in smartphone mode. That's versus the hyper-tall 25:9 cover screen on the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Z Fold 3 that's super-narrow."

(All comments from Tech Radar). 

It is an idea that, like most folding options, has pros and cons. 

You protect a folding screen by looking after it. You protect an outer folding screen by taking extra care. Especially given the asking price. 

Even slab phones are used in pouches and users slip them in and out. They are perfect for 'outside screen' folders.

The main advantages are, ehem, twofold. 

Less screens on device and and a thinner overall design. 

In the case of the above mentioned Huawei variants, most of the hardware is placed in a balanced 'grip'. A single strip that allows the rest of the phone to be extra thin. 

And don't forget the model mentioned here is the XS2. The third model  of the design.

It's all a question of options. How many types of folding options are there? Or you fold 'in' or you fold 'out' (although tri-folding phones are coming, it seems). That is it. 

Huawei has brought both types to market. 

If you fold 'in' you need an extra screen. If you don't fold in, you don't, but the tradeoff is the screen is less protected. Let's forget for a moment that phones that fold 'in' also have that extra screen facing down on a surface when it gets fully opened. 

I will mention though that the frames are designed so as to keep the screens off of flat surfaces. 

That does not eliminate the tradeoff completely. 

You choose what you prefer based on your needs/preferences/budget... 

You are full of it. It was a terrible idea. It failed and was mocked everywhere.