Apple is working on at least two folding iPhone prototypes
A new report says Apple is the process of building prototypes for an iPhone Fold, but is rumored to be having difficulties with durability and screen creasing.
The 'iPhone Fold' is expected to take design cues from existing Apple products
Rumors about Apple making a folding iPhone have circulated for years, and a fan actually engineered one. Most recently, rumors have shifted to a presumption that such a device will be a foldable iPad, but a new report says Apple is still investigating the iPhone fold.
According to The Information, that investigation has reached the stage were two or more prototypes are being developed. Citing only an unnamed source "with direct knowledge," the publication says that there won't be an iPhone fold in either 2024 or 2025.
That is because the prototypes are in early development. However, the publication claims that Apple has approached at least one manufacturer concerning components related to two foldable iPhones of different sizes.
The source also says that Apple could yet cancel the projects if they do not meet its standards.
Those standards are reportedly concerned with the durability of a foldable iPhone's display, particularly around the crease in it.
According to The Information, Tim Cook first asked about the possibility of an iPhone fold in 2018. Reportedly, Cook responded positively to a demonstration that year of a foldable 7-inch display.
Three other unnamed sources told the publication that another issue is cost and desirability. A folding iPhone would necessarily be more expensive, and reportedly Apple has yet to find further features that would compel users to upgrade.
The same issues would presumably apply to any folding iPad. However, the most recent rumors concerning Apple's folding device plans have said that there could be a folding iPad mini in 2026.
Apple has years of research on how to make a folding iPhone
These latest reported prototypes are far from Apple's first ventures into a foldable device. While Apple has never commented publicly on the topic, its research has led to multiple patents that describe it.
Detail from one of many Apple patents regarding foldable devices.
Such patents show that Apple expects to overcome these reported screen issues with complex hinges, new display technology, and hybrid OLED that doesn't crease.
We expect Apple's foldable to open and close without a crease or seam in the display. Fully closed the thickness of the device should be only slightly thicker than current iPhones, while open it should be similar to the size of the iPad mini.
It's also expected that the "iPhone Fold" would have a USB-C port, and support MagSafe. Apple could use Face ID, but placement of such a biometric sensor would be complicated on a product that can be used open or shut.
Nonetheless, it remains that the screen is the key challenge. Apple isn't likely to ever release a foldable if it has such fundamental problems with the display.
An external display would act as a fully functional iPhone running iOS
It isn't yet clear how Apple will optimize iOS or iPadOS for the folding device. Little may have to change if the display only works in a fully open position. There is a chance that Apple could allow a three-quarters open or half-open mode for gaming or chat apps as well.
The "iPhone Fold" has been long-rumored to launch in 2025, with continuing rumors -- including this latest one from The Information -- suggesting a shift to later. There's also a chance this device will only ever exist internally at Apple and never see the light of day.
Rumor Score: Possible
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Comments
I always question if the world will buy a more expensive iPhone, and each year I am proven wrong, so I'll bet that there is someone out there that will buy it in quantity. I bought a top of the line iPhone 15 pro max, so I know I am one of the suckers.
I have yet to figure out WHY anyone wants or needs a foldable phone. Maybe a foldable iPad (?), but I do not see the need for a foldable phone.
I came from the flip-phone generation and do not wish to go back.
"a folding iPad" but not a folding phone? WTF. I prefer a smaller phone while many want a "phablet". I've seen people, mostly women using some model of huge phone. That's not for me but there are times when I'd appreciate a bigger screen but not at the expense of a new wardrobe to carry it.
Opening a phone to have more real estate interests me. A smaller screen visible when closed could display caller information and notifications. Reliability of the hinged portion is a concern.
No one has to buy a folding phone so I find it hard to understand why some people are against Apple making one. It would only be for those who actually want one and I'm sure some Apple users would want one. That's why Apple is probably working on one.
No phone needs to be waterproof. Splashproof is more than enough. I've only ever met two people in my life who have suffered immersion damage and one of those was a feature phone. The other accidentally ended up in the washing machine.
Some folding phones are already on par with regular iPhone.
There are more mechanical parts. There is more bend stress on the screen. It's a tradeoff on being able to fold the phone.
Is that a problem? Millions of folding phones have shipped but the sky hasn't fallen in under problems of durability.
And with every generation, they are getting better than they already were.
Yes, prices can be higher but they are coming down as sales increase.
The 'problem waiting for a solution' makes no sense. Large screen. Small screen. Main camera for selfies. Portrait subjects can see themselves on the screen. Multitasking multiple apps with real screen space.
It's all about preference. An Apple folding phone would be a great option for those who want one. The alternative is an Android folding phone.
One reason you haven't met many people who have "suffered immersion damage" is because, for the last several years, an iPhone dropped in water don't get damaged. Apple isn't likely to trade that feature in for a novelty phone that folds.
Your trade-off for foldability comes with higher warranty claim rates. Apple doesn't want that.
The "millions of folding phones" that have shipped weren't made by Apple. Quality failures for other brands don't make news like they would if it were Apple.
Every generation of device is getting better, so why would Apple want to reverse that trend by making a novelty phone that breaks easily?
You've reversed the concept. A folding-screen phone is a solution looking for a problem, not a problem looking for a solution.
There are lots of features and devices that other companies make that Apple won't be making, because Apple doesn't chase after every bell and whistle just in case somebody wants one.
BUT....
I'm not willing to pay much more for it and I'm not willing to accept any tradeoffs in terms of durability/usability. In other words, this is the sort of thing that is a small benefit, and so the cost better be very small, too.
Of course, here in the real world, the cost is pretty high.
So..... yeah. Unless there's a technical breakthrough, I don't see this making sense.