Nearly five years have passed since Samsung unveiled its first foldable device, and in that time, many rumors have surfaced regarding Apple’s potential rival to the Galaxy Z fold and Flip. As of right now, there has been no formal confirmation about Apple’s much awaited foldable device. While some reports claim Apple‘s foldable device could be on the horizon and could debut in 2025, others dispute this and claim Apple won’t introduce a foldable device until at least 2027.
Speculation Surrounding Apple’s Foldable Device Release
Rumors abound regarding the release date of the foldable iPhone from a variety of sources. According to well-known industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple won’t release a foldable iPhone until at least 2025. However, CCS Insight analyst Ben Wood speculates that Apple might release a foldable iPad before a foldable iPhone. It is anticipated that Apple will utilize Samsung’s foldable display technology, according to a different South Korean report, so a foldable device from the company won’t be released until 2027. Although no one knows when to expect an iPhone foldable, it is highly likely that one won’t come anytime soon—at least not until 2025.
Even though Apple may no longer be producing the iPhone mini-series, the iPhone 15 is still among the world’s most portable mainstream flagship smartphones. Based on that, a number of reports unmistakably imply that Apple may take into consideration a flip-style foldable instead of a larger note-style foldable.
Apple’s Foray into Foldable Devices: Rumors and Patent Insights
According to Ming Chi-Kuo, who claims that Apple won’t release a foldable device until 2025, the company’s first flip-style foldable may have a massive 8-inch display when unfolded, which is significantly larger than Samsung’s largest foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold5. It might, however, have a more modest 7.5-inch screen, according to another report, and there are also reports indicating a much larger 9-inch screen, making it larger than the iPad mini.
According to a 2020 patent application, Apple is developing a clamshell-shaped form factor with a hinge system that resembles the Galaxy Z Flip5. This system prevents the internal display from bending, which eliminates one of the main problems with foldable devices: creases. Another patent suggests the use of two magnetically attached displays that, when folded, resemble the Surface Duo rather than the Motorola Razr or Galaxy Z Flip. Or Apple might just take the world by surprise and release a rollable, foldable device that looks like the Motorola RIZR.
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Unveiling Apple’s Foldable Device: Design and Features Insights
LetsGo Digital’s renders suggest that Apple’s first foldable device will resemble an iPhone 14 Pro with an external display that can be folded in half. The foldable iPhone may be the brand’s slimmest smartphone, with an iconic triple camera setup akin to the iPhone 15 Pro, according to a concept released by ConceptsiPhone.
These renders indicate that features like wireless charging, a USB-C port for charging, and Face ID will undoubtedly be included. But none of them address durability. Apple filed a patent application claiming that it could use a novel substance with potential therapeutic benefits. Nevertheless, the iPhone’s foldable screen is probably going to act like the current Android foldable until there is a major breakthrough in material science.
Foldable iPhone: Software Integration and Pricing Expectations
Software-wise, the foldable iPhone is probably going to run the most recent version of iOS, which has been tailored for the foldable form factor. Additionally, don’t anticipate Apple’s first foldable device to be inexpensive. According to multiple reports, it is expected to cost more than the iPhone 15 Pro, with a price tag of approximately $1,499, given market trends and other foldables’ prices. In India, the same would probably cost more than Rs 2,00,000.
