Plans have changed for a foldable iPhone, according to a prominent insider, pushing the debut of Apple’s first flexible screen device to 2025 or possibly even later. Meanwhile, Samsung seems to be quite pleased with its amazing progress in flexible screen technology, and several more manufacturers have joined in. Google’s Android 12L puts an emphasis on folding screens, and Intel worked with Lenovo on the first foldable Windows laptop, the ThinkPad X1 Fold. While everyone else is investing in these hinged flexible screen devices, Apple is reportedly delaying its solution.
Apple has a screen size to fit every need. From the two sizes of the Apple Watch screen that works well and looks good on any wrist, to the iPhone 13 mini to iPhone 13 Pro Max, most mobile technology needs are well covered. If something a bit larger is needed, Apple offers 5 different iPad sizes, ranging from the 8.3-inch iPad mini 6 to the huge iPad Pro 12.9-inch. There’s a clump of tablets in the 10 to 11-inch range that feels a bit crowded but Apple has a very complete collection. Laptops start with the 13.3-inch MacBook Air and reach as large as the 16-inch MacBook Pro. No complaints in this area either, so perhaps Apple simply doesn’t want to make one foldable product that would fill two categories, hurting sales.
Noted Apple Leaker Ming Chi-Kuo recently tweeted that a previous estimate of a folding iPhone arriving in 2024 is more likely to be delayed until 2025 or even longer. At that point, it might be better described as a foldable iPad, according to Kuo, which suggests that the plan is for something more similar to a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold than a compact Z Flip. Apple clearly understands that big is better, having reportedly canceled the iPhone 14 mini in favor of an iPhone 14 Max model in 2022. Meanwhile, The Elec reports that Apple is collaborating with LG on a foldable OLED panel with nothing else to say on the matter or a timeline. These mixed signals from two usually reliable sources, make it difficult to know what Apple’s true plans actually are.
Apple’s Future Screen Technology
It’s quite understandable why rumors began almost immediately after Apple started researching folding phones. Every major tech manufacturer had to at least consider this emerging market. Apple has patent documents relating to devices with flexible screens and various leaks have suggested an iPhone Fold for the last few years, following the launch of Samsung’s first Galaxy Fold.
Such an iPhone may appear in a few years, but Apple seems much more interested in augmented and virtual reality in the short term. If the whole world becomes a screen, bulky smartphones that unfold into a somewhat small tablet would feel very antiquated. Apple doesn’t want to be caught investing to catch up on a technology that could be outdated in another couple of years. While a foldable iPhone or iPad might be in development, it might never escape the lab if it’s replaced by Apple Glass.
