According to some recent reports, Apple is currently fold screens to test for a possible flexible iPhone. The scope of the work is apparently currently only the development of a foldable screen, and the company has not locked up the plans to launch an actual device. Still, a foldable iPhone seems very likely, as the foldable smartphones are expected to be the fastest growing category of flagship phones in the coming years and that every major manufacturer is expected to have a flexible portfolio by 2025.
Apple apparently developed both clamshell and bookish prototypes, and it is said to lean towards the former, suggesting that the device would be more of a Galaxy Z Flip competitor. It bodes well with a recent leak that also says the foldable iPhone will be it aimed at young users. The Cupertino giant has reportedly discussed numerous sizes, including one that is almost identical to the iPhone 12 Pro Max when unfolded.
A new report from research firm EqualOcean sketch another picture.
Looks like the foldable iPhone will be a phone tablet hybrid
Referring to analytics firm Omdia, it is said that the foldable iPhone will have an OLED screen that will be between 7.3 and 7.6 inches. More interesting is that the report also claims that the phone will support a stylus. It’s best to take this bit with a pinch of salt, as the Apple Pencil is currently not compatible with any iPhone. That said, a 2019 forecast of investment bank UBS, and the creation of a Twitter leaker suggests that Apple’s first foldable device will in fact be a foldable iPad.
At the end of the day, it’s too early to say anything, as most rumors claim that a foldable iPhone is long gone, including today’s report linking the 2023 launch timeline.