First of all, we need to understand the concept of foldable iPhone. The foldable iPhone is an innovative smartphone with a foldable screen that makes the phone smaller and more portable when folded and more screen real estate when unfolded, making it easier for users to multitask and entertain. This concept has been around in the smartphone market for some time, but it has not been applied and promoted on a large scale. Recently, Apple announced that it had suspended the development plan of the foldable iPhone, which has attracted widespread attention and heated discussions. The foldable iPhone has always been one of Apple's highly anticipated products, but why is the development plan suddenly suspended?
According to the patents that have been made public, industry chain reports, and breaking news, Apple has been engaged in the research and development of foldable devices (iPhone or iPad) for many years. But the latest revelations point out that the development of foldable iPhones has been suspended because the foldable screen panel of the first manufacturer did not pass Apple's test standards.
According to the deep throat of the digital industry @ fixed focus digital, this time it was because Apple found that there were quality problems after testing Samsung's latest folding screen, which did not meet Apple's durability requirements, so Apple decided to suspend the iPhone project for a long time for five years.
The news exposed this time is that the progress of the entire folding screen iPhone project has been suspended, and if the manufacturer does not meet the standard, it will involve issues such as crease resistance, battery life, scratch resistance, and touch feel of the folding iPhone screen. At the same time, it also gave feedback on Apple's pursuit of product hardware quality and user experience; Because, at present, folding screen is a hot trend, and it is also the selling point of folding screen products, and the pursuit of perfection has always been Apple's standard for hardware.
The Information's report revealed Apple's covert operations on the folding screen. After more than five years of research and development, Apple has built at least two prototypes of foldable iPhones. Imagine that these phones can be folded horizontally like flip phones. But don't rejoice too soon, these two prototypes aren't on Apple's 2024 or 2025 product roadmap. This means that if these folding screens do not meet Apple's high standards, they may never be seen in the world.
Previously, it was reported that Apple is developing at least two flip foldable iPhone prototypes, with a vertical folding design, support hovering, and when unfolded at a 90-degree angle, you can take photos without a stand. Back in 2018, Apple began to explore the foldable iPhone project, but by around 2020, the project was shelved.
In addition to the iPhone, Apple also seems to have a strong interest in the foldable iPad. After all, the iPad doesn't need to be stuffed into pockets every day like the iPhone, so it can be designed to be a little thicker and less durable. The Elec reports that Apple could launch its first 7- to 8-inch foldable device in the next few years, and it could replace the existing 83-inch iPad mini.
Apple's road to folding screens doesn't seem to be smooth. While we're all looking forward to foldable iPhones and iPads, the technical challenges and Apple's high standards may mean we have to wait a while. Who knows, though? Maybe one day we'll see these cool devices really come into our lives. Until then, let's be patient and stay tuned every step of Apple's moves.
Prototype: refers to a preliminary prototype made during the product development process to test and improve the design.
Durability: The ability of a product to resist wear, damage, and aging.
Product Roadmap: A timeline that shows the future direction and plan of the product.
Supplier: A business that provides raw materials, components, or services to a company.
on the market: Refers to a product that has been publicly sold to consumers.