It's been rumored for the longest time that Apple is working on foldable iPhones. What wasn't immediately known was whether they would be clamshell foldables like the Galaxy Z Flip series or similar to the larger Galaxy Z Fold. A new report sheds more light on Apple's elusive foldable iPhones.
The report claims that Apple has made at least two prototypes of a clamshell foldable iPhone. These prototypes fold horizontally, much like the Galaxy Z Flip series from Samsung does. It's unclear if Apple has made prototypes similar to the Galaxy Z Fold lineup as well.
Apple's also working on its much-rumored foldable iPad
Before Apple fans get excited that foldable iPhones are coming soon, The Information adds that these devices aren't even a part of Apple's mass production plans for 2024 or 2025. Evidently, it's early days on Apple's foldable iPhone project. It seems like the company is simply toying with the idea right now and there's no clarity as to when it intends to release one.
The report adds that Apple is interested in making foldable iPhones that have displays on the outside. However, the company's engineers are said to have “struggled” with the design as it breaks easily. Engineers also want to make a foldable iPhone that's as thin as current iPhone models but battery sizes and display components add an element of complexity.
It's said that Apple has spoken with at least one manufacturer in Asia to source parts for a foldable iPhone. The company is also reportedly working on the rumored foldable iPad which would be around the same size as an iPad Mini. The foldable tablet is also not expected to arrive before 2026 or 2027 at the very least.
One must give credit where due, the Galaxy Z Flip series has made clamshell foldables cool. Samsung's marketing angle for its clamshells have sort of presented the device as a fashionable accessory. That's kind of the same line that Apple takes for the Apple Watch. Sure, it might be a smartwatch like any other, but part of its appeal also comes from its positioning as a lifestyle product.
Apple evidently sees the value in replicating this strategy for its foldable iPhone in the clamshell form factor. It has seen the sheer popularity of the Galaxy Z Flip series and wants to capitalize on a market that Samsung has singlehandedly matured. As things stand, it appears that Apple is still a couple of years away from launching a foldable iPhone as it needs to establish a supply chain and also work out the engineering challenges.
Where might the Galaxy Z Flip series stand by then, given the incredible pace at which Samsung is making improvements to its foldables every year? Exciting times ahead!
