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Last updated: May 4th, 2021 at 13:33 UTC+02:00
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According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will launch its first foldable iPhone sometime in 2023. Kuo's research analysis notes that the device could feature an 8-inch foldable OLED screen with QHD+ resolution (3,200 x 1,800 pixels). That translates to an aspect ratio of 16:9, which is a lot broader than the Galaxy Z Fold 2's 7.6-inch foldable display (11.24:9).
It is still unclear whether the foldable iPhone's screen will fold horizontally or vertically, but going by its screen size, it is possible that it will fold vertically. Even though Apple will be four years late to the party, it is reportedly expecting to sell up to 20 million units that year.
Samsung Display is expected to be the exclusive supplier of foldable OLED display panels for the foldable iPhone. Even though LG was rumored to be helping Apple with foldable screens, that doesn't seem to be the case anymore. Instead of using Samsung's Y-Octa technology, the device could use TPK's silver nanowire touch solution, which is said to be more durable and capable of multiple folds.
Even though Samsung could face stiff competition from Apple in the foldable space, the launch of the first foldable iPhone could help Samsung in another way. We have already explained in a previous article how Apple's entry could popularize the foldable smartphone market, in turn helping Samsung in shipping even more Galaxy Z series smartphones.
With its ecosystem in place, Apple could later bring foldable screen technology to its tablets and even laptops. Kuo notes in his research that Apple could emerge as the biggest brand in the foldable device segment over the next few years. But Samsung might not rest on its past laurels as well. The South Korean firm is heavily investing in material sciences and software design.
Future Galaxy Z series devices will have smoother displays, more durable screen protection, an IP rating for dust and water resistance, and stronger designs. A patent filed by Samsung showcased that the company might be working on a device that has a dual-foldable screen and an S Pen and that it can switch between a smartphone and a tablet.
Asif is a computer engineer turned technology journalist. He has been using Samsung phones since 2004, and his current smartphone is the Galaxy S21 Ultra. He loves headphones, mechanical keyboards, and PC hardware. When not writing about technology, he likes watching crime and science fiction movies and TV shows.
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