APPLE is rumoured to be working on a foldable iPhone, which means the Silicon Valley giant can finally square up to Samsung.
However, we won’t see the device in the 2024 or 2025 lineup, according to The Information, who citied a person with direct knowledge of the matter.
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Tech companies are incredibly tight-lipped when it comes to their new products.
But here’s everything we know so far about Apple’s first foldable iPhone.
Size
The device is expected to be in proportion with the Galaxy Z Flip 5 or Motorola Razr Plus, according to reports.
It will mirror the Galaxy Z Flip 5 with the palm-sized, clamshell shape, that makes it pocketable when folded.
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Apple is reportedly eyeing a design that folds the screen outwards so the display is on the outside.
However, the company’s engineers are said to have “struggled” with this particular design as it breaks easily.
Price
Apple’s products are typically pretty lofty.
But to navigate an easily breakable design, while keeping true to its durability smartphone promises, Apple will need to use high-end, durable parts.
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Of course, this means the product will be very pricey – and likely more expensive than its previous iPhones.
Apple’s newest and most expensive handset, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, starts at $1,199 / £1,199.
iPhone’s ‘secret’ button lets you take screenshots even faster – and there’s a long list of other perks too
Samsung’s popular Galaxy Z Fold 5 start at an even higher price.
Although, as Tech Radar points out, if Apple decides to sell its iPhone at a 50 per cent premium over the current iPhone 15 Pro, it would still be cheaper than Samsung’s most expensive foldable phone.
The bottom line is: foldable phones are costly.
Release Date
For an entirely new iPhone concept – the release date may be closer than expected.
According to reports, a foldable iPhone could hit the shelves as soon as 2026.
However, the company is thought to be closer to launching a foldable iPad mini – which could test the waters for its foldable iPhone lineup.
Apple typically holds three or four events to unveil new products each year.
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There’s generally a spring event around March or April, the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, a September event focused on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and sometimes, an October event that usually includes Macs and iPads.
Typically, Apple leans towards the second Tuesday in September for its annual iPhone release dates – which may be accompanied by a foldable number in a couple years.
Is Apple folding to pressure?
Analysis by Millie Turner, Technology & Science Reporter at The Sun.
Even for die-hard iPhone fans, recent iterations of the Samsung Flip and Fold smartphones had heads turning.
It was the first Android-based device that looked like it had the potential to bring iOS lovers to the ‘dark side’ – according to iPhone owners themselves.
The nostalgic, pocketable, Samsung Galaxy Flip spoke to iPhone users in a way Android devices simply hadn’t before.
Not to mention Samsung’s stylish, star-studded marketing campaign.
Social media was flooded with iOS users hailing the chic 90s vibe the Flip was giving off – and the notebook element boasted by the Fold.
If the rumours are true, and Apple really is investing in getting its own foldable to the market, then it’s clear the company has folded to pressure and is trying to fend off the lure off its Korean rival.
