Apple is continuing to develop folding iPhone models, actively building prototypes of at least two foldable models, following more than five years of research and development, according to a report from The Information.
The report, citing individuals said to have “direct knowledge” of the project, the two prototypes are said to fold like a clamshell phone. The devices are still in the early stages of development, and 2026 is the earliest possible release time frame.
However, the report does say Apple has approached at least one supplier in Asia for components for two different-sized foldable iPhone models. The report warns that plans for the foldable iPhones could still be dropped if they fail to meet Apple’s standards.
Apple has been rather fickle when it comes to its interest in foldable iPhones over the years. Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly had asked Apple designers and engineers about the possibility of a foldable iPhone back in 2018. He is said to have responded favorably to a demo of a 7-inch foldable iPhone. The Cupertino firm is said to be concerned about technical challenges and in developing appealing features that would attract buyers to a higher-priced foldable handset.
Apple initially was working toward a foldable iPhone with the display sitting on the outside of the device when it is folded. However, engineers struggled a bit with durability. The design team was also shooting for a device that would not be any thicker than current iPhones when folded. Unfortunately, battery and display technology is not quite there yet.
The company put a hold on its work on the foldable iPhone sometime in 2020, turning its efforts to an inward-folding iPad sized similar to the iPad mini, with an 8-inch display. Apple is said to have decided that a thicker foldable iPad would be okay since users don’t carry tablets in their pockets. Plus, the device would not need to be as durable as an iPhone. Plus, a foldable iPad would allow the firm to test the foldable device product category on a smaller scale.
Engineers are said to be working to eliminate the display crease that appears in the middle of the display after months of repeated folding and unfolding. They are also working on a new hinge design that would allow the display to lie completely flat, rather than having a small bump or dip in the middle of the screen, which could cause issues for Apple Pencil users.
Apple is reportedly working with both LG and Samsung on displays for the foldable iPad.
