Apple is reportedly beginning development of an iPhone with a flexible display that would allow the phone to be folded into a smaller shape or possibly expanding it to be larger, depending on how it is designed. Now that Apple’s chief rival, Samsung has multiple folding smartphones that are proving fairly durable and relatively popular, perhaps Apple is ready to push forward with this technology as well.
Talk of a foldable iPhone began within a few years of the release of the first model. By 2014, Apple already had a patent on a folding phone design, so this isn’t a new idea by any means. However, as was clearly demonstrated by the first several failed attempts, the technology was not mature enough to enjoy the reliability that Apple generally demands from its products. This is not to say Apple is flawless. There have been significant issues with some of its products, but the iPhone has had a remarkably solid design over the years. The most serious complaint may be the so-called ‘bend-gate’ incidence where some found their iPhone 6 developed a curve when stuffed into tight jeans. This happened in 2014, the same year of the folding phone patent.
According to a recent report by Bloomberg, Apple may be moving beyond the earliest stages to begin testing of flexible displays in a folding form factor. The leak suggests that there are no prototypes yet, and that the focus of work is currently limited to the display and the hinge. The unnamed source indicated that the display covers the hinge, making it invisible, similar to the design of Samsung’s or Motorola’s folding phones. This is in contrast to the dual-screen approach taken by Microsoft with its Surface Duo. The fact that display testing is only as far as development has come, suggests it could be years before a folding iPhone might be available.
Folding iPhone Launch Anytime Soon?
Given the big changes Apple made to the iPhone 12, it is unlikely to bring such a major change again in 2021. The need for an iPhone that folds to become smaller is less important right now, considering Apple recently introduced the naturally small iPhone mini. Likewise, an iPhone that expands to become larger might conflict with the iPad mini. Instead, 2021 is more likely to see an iPhone 13 with an upgraded processor, camera and display. Rumors suggest that the most exotic thing that may come with the next iPhone could be a port-less design. With MagSafe charging, reducing the need for a wired charger, and the fast transfer speed of 5G and Wi-Fi 6, the necessity of the Lightning port can now be questioned.
There may be a possibility that Apple could make smartphone screens less important within a few years, given the rapid pace of advancement in smart eyewear and the Apple Glass rumor that won't go away. The augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) glasses would presumably connect to an iPhone for processing and internet connectivity, just as the Apple Watch does. The advances that will make this possible include microLED displays, waveguides, LiDAR, ultra-wideband, and the overall AR technology that Apple has been working on for several years. All of these advances may mean Apple Glass could appear before a foldable iPhone does.
Source: Bloomberg, Image: ConceptsiPhone/YouTube