The tech giant is speculated to still be developing the prototypes and mass production may be years away
Foldable smartphones have been available for almost five years and have been popularised by manufacturers such as Samsung, Motorola, Oppo and Honor. This week, reports have suggested that Apple, the world’s second most valuable company, may be working on foldable prototypes for its iPhone and iPad. However, these devices are still in the early stages of research and development.
According to industry insiders, Apple has at least two prototypes for the iPhone that fold inward like a clamshell device, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series or the Oppo Find N series.
Apple has long been rumoured to be working on a foldable iPhone. Its CEO, Tim Cook, had reportedly asked the company’s engineers to explore the possibility of developing foldable phones as early as 2018. But creating extremely thin, pocket-friendly foldable phones that meet Apple’s high standards is a significant engineering challenge.
Read more: Why humans still have the upper hand over AI—for now
A patent document related to a unique protective crack-resistant cover layer structure for future foldable devices (Photo: Patently Apple)
1 / 2
Apple may abandon its prototype development if it cannot find an innovative way of creating a foldable phone and is said to be exploring new features to differentiate an Apple foldable phone.
The foldable iPad prototype, in turn, is said to be around 8 inches when unfolded. Such a form factor would allow for a more compelling larger-screen experience while remaining portable.
Even if the foldable concepts are approved, they could take several years to be ready for mass production. According to insiders, this means it is unlikely that a foldable iPhone will be included in Apple’s new product roadmap for 2024 or 2025.