Apple working on multiple folding iPhone prototypes, but launch isn't soon

Apple is reportedly testing multiple foldable iPhone prototypes, but an actual launch is probably still years away, according to an accurate leaker.

Following a rumor about "iPhone 14" models earlier on Thursday, accurate Apple leaker DylanDKT also shared some tidbits about the company's rumored "iPhone Fold."

The leaker claims that Apple is "definitely working and testing multiple prototypes with certain foldable displays." However, Apple may have concerns with the overall foldable smartphone trend.

"Too many compromises still exist with foldable display technology though," DylanDKT wrote. "There are also concerns as to whether foldable smartphones will continue to have a place in the market or will fall into obsolescence."

1/3 For those who are curious about a foldable iPhone, Apple is definitely working and testing multiple prototypes that contain foldable displays. Too many compromises still exist with foldable display technology though.
— Dylan (@dylandkt) January 6, 2022

As a result, Apple is said to be "carefully observing the market and improving upon the mistakes of their competitors." Those mistakes are undoubtedly the ill-fated attempts at folding smartphones by competitors like Huawei and Samsung. Even current foldable devices could still be seen as "beta products."

The goal, DylanDKT added, is to ensure that a foldable iPhone device "is not a regression from the current form factor of the iPhone." Apple, in other words, is playing the long game as it typically does.

Other well-respected analysts and industry watchers, including Ming-Chi Kuo, have suggested that a folding iPhone may not arrive until 2023 or 2024 at the earliest.

AppleInsider recently created renders of an "iPhone Fold" based on current rumors and information.

16 Comments

sflocal 6135 comments · 16 Years

About 2 years ago

Folding phones as it exists today is a joke, with Samsung being a perfect example of it. It's of zero use being first if that product is garbage.

There's a reason why Apple hasn't put one out and I believe if/when Apple does it, it will be done right. Then the iKnockoffs like Samsung and Xiaomi will copy Apple's design and the industry will flip and say "it was the next logical step.".

I'm not expecting anything from Apple for years.

tshapi 372 comments · 13 Years

sflocal said:

Folding phones as it exists today is a joke, with Samsung being a perfect example of it. It's of zero use being first if that product is garbage.
There's a reason why Apple hasn't put one out and I believe if/when Apple does it, it will be done right. Then the iKnockoffs like Samsung and Xiaomi will copy Apple's design and the industry will flip and say "it was the next logical step.".

I'm not expecting anything from Apple for years.

someone always has to be first. There’s first to market and then there’s rush to be first to market like Xiaomi and Samsung. How ever without companys rushing out new technology, apple would have nothing to perfect. See, Apple comes along and picks and chooses only what holds up to there exacting standards and then looks better for it because they let other people waste there money on fades and bad product that the public won’t be attracted to. Apple mainly only invests in products and features with a proven track record that fits within there COGS model.

longfang 517 comments · 16 Years

Call when they figure out how to waterproof folding phones.

fred1 1133 comments · 11 Years

I don’t see a need for this either, but if Apple does create a folding phone it’ll be because they know there’s a market for them. As usual, Apple doesn’t rush to be the first, but let’s others do that so they can see the market share obtained. If Apple does make one, it’ll follow the pattern of so many other products and be a much better version, like with smartphones, tablets, laptops, earpods, etc., etc.

GeorgeBMac 11421 comments · 8 Years

fred1 said:

I don’t see a need for this ....

"No need for this"? Interesting!
Ever since Apple abandoned Steve's idea of a small screened iPhone with the iPhone 6, they've been racing ahead to bigger and bigger screens -- while even talking of abandoning the small screened mini.

The single biggest limitation of any smart phone is its pocketability -- the ability to fit into a pocket. And that is determined by its screen size. In fact, that is probably the single biggest reason for Face-ID -- to eliminate bezels in order to enlarge the screen. Further, the flip phone proved the utility of the concept: Not only did it shrink the physical dimensions of the phone, it hardened the phone against damage by protecting its screen and keyboard from external damage. (With a flip phone I had no problem carrying keys and phone in the same pocket -- now my iPhone needs a separate pocket all to itself because its screen is so delicate.)

At this point, Apple has exhausted the expandability of tits iPhone. If the Pro-Max gets any bigger it goes into iPad territory and its mobility will be severely impaired.
They have only one direction to go: A folding iPhone.

Apple knows this. But its fans tend to think that if Apple doesn't make it, they don't need it.