Apple is working on two foldable iPhones – first quality tests passed
Normal iPhones are reaching the limit of useful display sizes, iPads are not handy enough. This is where foldable iPhones could come into play. (Photo: t3n)
No time right now?
Two different design prototypes of foldable iPhones have apparently successfully passed initial quality controls at the Chinese supplier Foxconn. However, this does not allow the conclusion that a market launch is imminent.
As Apple Insider citing the Chinese magazine Money UDN reported, two completely different designs of foldable iPhones are said to have been tested in Foxconn’s branch in Shenzhen, southern China. It should not have been a complete device.
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Rudimentary prototypes to test the folding mechanism
Rather, according to the report, Foxconn was concerned with testing how the folding mechanism itself worked. The prototypes should have been equipped with a maximum of one or more displays.
The completely different designs are said to have been one that is similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip or the Motorola Razr. On the other hand, a design is said to have been tested that is more like the Samsung Galaxy Fold or even the Surface Duo, i.e. could have two displays.
It is not known whether Apple wants to bring both designs to market maturity, but it is conceivable. After all, the folding phones would serve different target groups.
Fast market launch unlikely
Rumors about folding phones from Apple have been around for years. Most recently, in 2018, production was supposed to start in 2020. Today we know that it did not happen. Apple has been applying for patents on the subject since at least 2017. Two corresponding Concepts became known to us in this way.
Since the prototypes tested by Foxconn on Apple’s behalf are apparently still very early in development, there is little to suggest that the manufacturer is planning one or more foldable models this year. So we are assuming a possible market launch in 2022.
Apple must not take too long. Manufacturers such as Samsung, Huawei or Microsoft are already going into the next and next but one generations of their folding phones.
