Apple is working on developing its first foldable device, and it could have a similar tech to that of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. Rumors and speculations have been swirling about what Apple's foldable device may look like and when it could be released. Recently, leakster Ming Chi-Kuo said he didn’t expect the device to be released until 2025 or later, and it could be more like a foldable iPad by the time it arrives. Considering Apple is still working on the tech for the display, this could be true. However, whether or not it’s more like an iPhone or iPad is yet to be determined at this point.
Samsung is the only major smartphone manufacturer to have a hold on the foldable market in the U.S. But it didn’t have an easy time getting there. Both the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 2 had issues with the screen. The first one had problems with the screen cracking and the hing grinding. The Z Fold 2 corrected these, but some users reported bubbles forming under the screen protector. The third generation has improved, but the screen is still more fragile than the Galaxy S 22. Samsung even reported a four times increase in sales in 2021 compared to 2020. Foldables are catching on, and other companies, especially Apple, want to get in on this.
The Elec reports that “Apple has begun the development of an OLED panel that doesn’t use a polarizer.” This is the same type of tech in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. The Elec’s source says removing the polarizer allows the phone screen to be made thinner, which is more optimal for foldable devices. Last month, it was rumored that Apple was working with LG on a thinner display. This report corroborates those claims.
Why Is Apple Taking So Long To Release A Foldable Device?
Apple has a history of making sure the tech is just right before releasing a device, so it’s no surprise that this process is taking so long. With the hiccups Samsung has had along the way, Apple will be looking to correct those issues and ones that foldable phones still have before announcing its first device. Considering Apple dominates much of the U.S. market, its delay in releasing a foldable smartphone may not hurt the company. But it doesn’t always get it right. For example, Apple discontinued the HomePod when it couldn’t compete with the Amazon Echo, but the HomePod Mini seems to be a bigger success. There are now rumors of a HomePod with a screen, but Apple has yet to confirm those reports.
While Apple certainly wants to jump on this trend, there’s still the chance that Apple will skip releasing a foldable phone completely because the Z Folds are still too fragile and expensive to genuinely become mainstream. So, it might not be worth it for the company in the end. And not everything it experiments with goes to market. It will depend on if Apple comes up with a solution that’s worth the money and that it believes consumers will buy.
Source: The Elec