Apple is working on a new Foldable iPhone in 2020
It’s almost inevitable that Apple is working on a foldable iPhone, but when will it be released?
Foldables simply look to be the future of smartphones. Manufacturers including Motorola, Samsung, and Huawei have all brought smartphones. They come with foldable displays to market. More are rumored to be arriving in the coming months.
It’s easy to see the appeal of the concept. You could use a standard iPhone display when out and about when you want to play a game or read an article. Simply ‘unfold’ the iPhone and increase the screen size to that of an iPad Mini. A similar concept to the top-end Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3.
Alternatively, Apple could go down the exact path as the Motorola Razr and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3. Splitting the size of the smartphone display when not in use.
There have been many rumors over the years. Some are stretching as far back as 2016. Suggesting Apple was actively looking for a flexible OLED manufacturer to produce panels. For an iPhone, a report from 2019 suggested Apple had moved on to the testing stage.
When will Apple release a foldable iPhone?
That’s the million-dollar question right there.
The first rumblings of a foldable iPhone came way back in 2018. Bank of America analyst Merrill Lynch claimed that Apple was preparing to release a phone in 2020. But, of course, that never happened.
So, when could we see the release of a foldable iPhone?
A September 2020 Weibo leak claimed Apple had placed an order for foldable displays from Samsung.
These are reportedly samples for several different designs rather than a finalized product. Suggesting Apple is only in the very early stages of developing a foldable iPhone. Newer rumors suggest Apple has since parted ways with Samsung. And is now working with LG on the prototype display.
What will the iPhone look like?
While many assume that Apple would go down the same route as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Huawei Mate X2. Producing a foldable iPhone that folds down the middle like a book. Current rumors detail several different possibilities.
With prevalent issues around durability, the noticeable crease in foldable displays. And the overall quality of the finish, one of Apple’s prototypes, might make more sense.
How much will the foldable iPhone cost?
That one is a difficult query to answer. Not only because of the fact we don’t know much about what the foldable iPhone will offer right now. But also because we don’t know when the foldable iPhone will launch.
Right now, foldable smartphones come at a hefty premium, with the likes of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 coming in at £1,599/$1,799. Huawei’s Mate X2 comes in at around £1,985/$2,785. But as with all tech, the cost of the phone will go down eventually.
