Apple is building at least two iPhone Flip prototypes
Apple is currently building two foldable iPhone prototypes. This is according to a new report from “a person with direct knowledge of the situation”. These are flip-style devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and the Oppo Find N3 Flip, and not larger devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 or the OnePlus Open.
Of course this does not mean that Apple will launch its own foldables the day after tomorrow. The company merely seems to be experimenting with the form factor. However, an iPhone Flip will not go into production this year or in 2025. The earliest conceivable date would be fall 2026. Apple has already spoken to at least one Asian manufacturer to procure components for the foldable iPhone. But of course, the project could still stop at any time if it does not meet Apple’s high durability standards.
Apple has wanted to build an iPhone Flip since 2018, which would be as thin as the current iPhone models when closed. However, the plan has failed for years due to the availability of suitable battery and display technology. Interestingly, the company apparently wanted the display to be on the outside of the foldable when folded. So far we’ve only seen this type of concept on the Honor V Purse. The whole thing understandably leads to problems with durability.
In 2020 Apple paused the development of the iPhone Flip. Instead, it focused on the iPad Fold, which is also quite popular in the rumor mill. However, the folding tablet will also not come to market before 2026. And now it seems that both are being developed in parallel, with Apple engineers trying to get rid of the display fold and develop a hinge that allows the screen to fold out completely flat. This is to ensure optimum compatibility with the Apple Pencil.
According to previous reports, Apple has already asked both LG and Samsung for display panels for the foldable iPad. However, it is still unclear which company will manufacture the displays for the foldable iPhone.
