Apple Developing Two Flip-Style Foldable iPhone Prototypes
So, word on the street is that Apple's tinkering with the idea of bringing out its version of a foldable iPhone. Yep, you heard that right! According to a fresh report from someone "in the know," Apple's got not one, but two prototypes in the works. Picture this: flip-style gadgets similar to what you've seen with Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip and Oppo's Find N Flip. But hold your horses, this doesn't mean you'll be seeing these babies hit the shelves anytime soon. Apple's just dipping its toes in the foldable waters, testing the waters if you will. These phones aren't on the fast track for mass production this year or even in the next few years. So, don't hold your breath for a release until maybe, just maybe, around 2026. And that's if everything falls into place.
Back in 2018, Apple had its eye on crafting a foldable that'd be as sleek as their current iPhones when closed. But alas, technology wasn't quite up to snuff yet. Here's the kicker: Apple wanted the display on the outside when the phone's folded shut - yeah, like Huawei's Mate X. Kinda weird, right? And you guessed it, it caused quite a headache with design challenges and durability concerns.
Fast forward to 2020, Apple hit pause on the foldable iPhone dream and shifted focus to rumors of a foldable iPad instead. But guess what? Now, it seems like they're juggling both projects at once.
Here's the latest scoop: Apple's tech wizards are on a mission to iron out the kinks. They're working on ditching that pesky crease in the display and figuring out a hinge that'll let the screen lay flat. Why? So your Apple Pencil experience won't be ruined by any wonky edges. As for who's supplying the screens for the foldable iPhone? Your guess is as good as mine. LG and Samsung Display are in the mix for the foldable iPad, but the iPhone's screen source is still up in the air.