In recent years, Samsung has become one of the market leaders in foldable devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5. Samsung is not the only brand producing foldable devices, but they offer the most numerous and accessible options. This makes Samsung the top choice for consumers in the United States who want to buy a foldable device. This raises the question of whether Apple will follow Samsung’s lead by launching a foldable iPhone or even a foldable iPad.
iPhone Flip Rumors and Speculation
It’s long been rumored that Apple is developing such devices, including a foldable iPhone that we’re calling the “iPhone Flip” for now. Apple is known as a closed company, so most likely they did research and development for the device. However, until now, everything is still limited to speculation.
Based on the latest news, rumors, and reports, here is some known information about Apple’s foldable iPhone:
iPhone Flip Design and Screen:
- There is still not much information about the design that Apple will use on its first foldable iPhone.
- Apple has filed many patents showing the design of folding iPhones. These patents point to a wide range of design possibilities, making it difficult to predict which design Apple will choose for its foldable iPhone.
- According to a report from The Information in February 2024, Apple has been researching and building foldable iPhone prototypes for a minimum of five years or more.
- The report mentions that two iPhone prototypes are currently in development and will purportedly fold horizontally in a clamshell shape.
- The prototype is still in its early development stages, so don’t expect to see it in 2024 or even 2025. It’s likely the earliest launch time is 2026.
Camera and Other Specifications:
- There is no information about the camera, processor, and other features.
- This is not surprising since Apple most likely hasn’t decided on those things yet.
- Of course, a lot of speculation is circulating, but it’s best not to take it for granted.
Software:
- Neither iOS nor iPadOS, in their current form, will translate easily to a foldable design.
- Given Apple’s careful attention to user experience, the company is most likely already thinking of ideas for a foldable version of its mobile operating system.
- Depending on the direction of the iPhone Flip, we may see entirely new iOS derivatives appear on it.
iPhone Flip Release Date:
- Although Apple is actively testing designs for one or more foldable iPhones, multiple sources indicate that the company is not yet entirely convinced by its idea.
- At best, the folding iPhone is far from reality; At worst, we’ll probably never see it.
- Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts Apple will release its first foldable iPhone in 2025. He is targeting mainstream consumers and estimating shipments could reach 20 million units in the first year.
However, display analyst Ross Young predicts foldable iPhones won’t appear before 2025, and that’s a preliminary estimate.
Until now, the iPhone Flip is still a mystery. Apple hasn’t officially announced anything yet, and all available information is just rumors and speculation. However, it is clear that Apple is interested in folding screen technology and is researching its potential for the iPhone. The launch of the iPhone Flip, if it does materialize, would mark a significant milestone for both Apple and the entire smartphone industry.
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