While Samsung and Google have already introduced the world to their foldables, Apple has not yet introduced its variant of the foldable iPhone. In recent reports, though, it was said that Apple is actively working on selecting a display supplier for its upcoming foldable device. But Apple seems to be treading a little more cautiously than others, trying to iron out the durability woes and sidestep some of the more oft-voiced issues with foldables: display creases.
Apple’s Quest for a Supplier of Displays
According to the report from Naver blog account “yuex1122,” sources close to Apple’s supply chain have revealed that the company is in the final stages of selecting a key supplier for foldable displays. Apple has already set strict technical requirements for the display to make sure it is up to industrial standards in terms of thickness, size, and curvature. The company, however, aims to improve durability and the prevention of creases, issues plaguing foldable smartphones of other brands.
There are rumors that some of these display manufacturers have made very good progress to meet the strict standards of Apple. Apple will reportedly choose the final list of suppliers between February and April this year. Though Apple has been working on a number of foldable devices including foldable MacBooks, this development appears related to the foldable iPhone.
Possible Foldable iPhone Launch Timeline
Ming-Chi Kuo, one of the well-recognized analysts for displays, suggested that the foldable iPhone for Apple was at a pretty rudimentary stage of planning. Of course, internally, Apple did not confirm a timeline; some industry reports speak of the 2025 to 2027 timeframe. Just recently, The Information also suggested that Apple has been working on a clamshell-style foldable iPhone similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series and that such a product might be introduced next year.
Foldable MacBooks
Apple is also reportedly working on the integration of foldable displays into its MacBooks. According to reports, Apple is preparing a foldable MacBook with a 19.5-inch large screen. Details about the exact form factor or functionality are yet to be defined, but as always, it seems that eliminating display creases that can hurt the user experience remains the chief concern for Apple.
Apple: Late to Foldables
Meanwhile, Apple is taking a rather conservative approach to foldable technology. For several years, Samsung has dominated the foldable smartphone market, while Google recently joined the race with its Pixel Fold lineup of devices. Both are iterating on their designs with each successive model. With Apple’s entry into this segment, there are several questions as to how it will make a difference and whether the foldable devices will offer some sort of value that the current models cannot provide.
What to Expect from Apple’s Foldable iPhone
Given Apple’s reputation for innovation and quality, there’s a good chance that when it does release a foldable iPhone, the technology will be cutting edge and the user experience will be seamless. If Apple can overcome some of the more prevalent problems with foldable smartphones, such as durability and display creases, its eventual entry into the market could raise the bar. But with competitors already well ahead, it’s unclear whether Apple’s late arrival will change the game or simply be another option in an increasingly crowded category of foldable smartphones.
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