Apple is working on a foldable iPhone: these are our expectations

Folding phones are becoming more and more mainstream, so Apple can’t really get left behind. These are the expectations of the first foldable iPhone.

The first foldable iPhone: big, sturdy and more

Apple is working on a foldable iPhone. This is confirmed by several reliable sources. But what exactly will this foldable iPhone look like? What features does the device get and how does it compete with, for example, Samsung’s foldable Z Fold series? There is a lot of room for speculation, as at the time of writing nothing is certain yet. In this article we put together a number of expectations based on leaked information.

Large 8-inch screen: iPad hybrid

According to well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the foldable iPhone will have an 8-inch screen, which writes MacRumors† The screen has a fold in the middle, so you can close the phone, as it were. We know this form factor from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, one of the most popular folding phones at the moment. Although Apple and Samsung are competitors, Samsung is said to have a lot to do with the foldable iPhone.

The manufacturer is said to be responsible for the OLED screens of the device. According to rumors, Samsung has already shown samples of possible flexible iPhone screens to Apple in 2020. In addition to Samsung, LG is also involved in the production of the device, according to Digitimes†

Sturdy housing and strong glass

Apple is known for always being slightly slower than the competition when it comes to new technology. That’s because the manufacturer wants to deliver high-quality products. Where competitors have been selling foldable smartphones (with quite a few flaws) for years, Apple is patiently waiting.

The biggest drawback of the current generation of folding phones is the disappointing durability. The foldable ‘glass’ is in most cases not real glass – so it scratches very quickly. You should also put little pressure on folding screens, because then they can get dents. Apple is (allegedly) looking for a solution for this.

For example, acclaimed glass maker Corning is said to be working on a foldable version of its rock-solid Gorilla Glass for the foldable iPhone, according to wired† However, the glass is not the only weak point of a folding phone. The hinge is also vulnerable, thanks to all kinds of moving parts. According to Jon Prosser, the hinges of the foldable iPhone become almost invisible. The edges of the device are said to be made of sturdy stainless steel.

Distinctive features

A foldable iPhone that only folds is of course not that exciting. We therefore expect a number of large exclusive features. Think of new ways to multitask. The device may even receive support for the Apple Pencil. This would open up a world of creative possibilities. There have been rumors for some time about an iPhone with Apple Pencil support.

Only on the market in 2025

Have you been waiting for the first foldable iPhone for a while? Unfortunately… You have to be patient a little longer. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will not introduce a foldable device until 2025 at the earliest. Reliable screen analyst Ross Young confirms this. That means that we have to be patient for another three years.

Chances are, Apple will have to beat much tougher competition by then. There are also rumors about a foldable Google Pixel. Samsung is still the market leader with its Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3. We are very curious about what else the South Korean smartphone manufacturer has in store for us.

Also read: ‘First foldable iPhone will appear in 2025 at the earliest’

Maybe not a foldable iPhone

Although Apple is undoubtedly working on a foldable iPhone, it is not at all certain whether it will actually come to market. Apple regularly tests prototypes of products that never see the light of day. For example, the production costs for a folding iPhone would be sky-high. Apple may not have the space for this.

It is also possible that Apple simply does not find good solutions for the shortcomings of foldable smartphones. In that case, the manufacturer would have to make too many compromises. Apple doesn’t like that, so the chances are small that such a device will ever come on the market.

Apple is also working on foldable iPads and MacBooks, if we are to believe the rumors. The company takes the futuristic technology really seriously. According to Ross Young these foldable devices would represent an entirely new product category for Apple, consisting of products that can be used in multiple ways. Think of an iPad and a MacBook in one.

Also read: ‘Apple is working with LG on folding screens for iPads and MacBooks’

on iPhoned read more about the foldable iPhone

Since 2016 we have been seeing stories about an Apple iPhone with a folding screen. We would of course like to keep you informed of all the latest developments regarding Apple’s first foldable iPhone. So sign up for our daily/weekly newsletter, download the free iPhoned app and keep an eye on the site. That way you won’t miss any news.