With flip and foldable smartphones becoming increasingly popular in the smartphone market, it’s surprising that we’re still waiting for Apple to jump in with its own version of the iPhone.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Google Pixel Fold, and Motorola Razr+ are just some of the phones currently leading this segment of the smartphone market, and as things stand, Apple is content to let that continue. For now.
Why hasn’t Apple released a foldable phone yet?
Apple isn’t big on being first to market with its products – it’s always about quality – they want their best products to be last, which is probably why the iPhone Flip is taking so long to launch.
Since the iPhone 16 models won’t arrive until late 2024, it’s safe to assume that the iPhone Flip won’t arrive this year.
Either way, here’s what we know so far:
iPhone Flip: What we know so far and rumors
Rumors surrounding the iPhone Flip seem to vary depending on the source, with leaked patents, samples of foldable glass, and suggestions of Apple Pencil compatibility.
But it’s fair to say that all of this shows that Apple is trying its best to make its foldable phone not only the best on the market, but also break new ground in terms of design, durability, and quality.
design
In February 2019, Apple Patents In collaboration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, it showcased a variety of designs for folding phones, some with large internal displays with a single folding hinge, others with two hinges and three displays, in a Z-folding style.
In addition, a patent was granted in March 2020. discovered This suggests that Apple may be considering a foldable device with two displays separated by a single hinge. This particular patent also mentions a “joint operating mode” that would allow one screen to be joined with a magnetically connected secondary display. This suggests that Apple is considering a foldable tablet, but we can’t be sure.
“Blink Twice” is coming again this year!?
— Paul J (@1PaulJ_) June 13, 2020
Leaker Jon Prosser further added: Fuel Supply Report In June 2020, we announced on Twitter the upcoming iPhone Flip.
Another leaked patent discovered in 2018 was Patented Appleshows a device with a foldable display that doesn’t fold completely in half, but instead leaves a small strip at the bottom to display things like notifications and other information (pictured below).
So, it’s clear that Apple is exploring different design ideas and is leaving no stone unturned to find the right design to enter the market. The first iPhone Flip patent leaks were 2016 And eight years later, we’re still no closer to anything concrete.
Screen display
This is perhaps the biggest challenge facing Apple: One of the biggest obstacles is the noticeable crease in the display of a foldable device, and Apple, known for its high standards, is understandably looking for ways to eliminate this crease.
The glass-and-plastic mix Samsung uses for its Z Fold and Z Flip models creates visible creases when folded, and Apple doesn’t seem to think it can pull it off with Samsung’s help, since Samsung makes a lot of iPhone displays. But a May 2024 report said: was suggested Apple has signed a deal with Samsung Display for its foldable devices.
Corning, Apple’s glass supplier, Bendable version of the Ceramic Shield screen Work has already begun to ensure Apple delivers what we’re all hoping for, but there’s no official launch date yet.
But this could mean that Apple may opt for a dual-display device with a single central hinge if they can’t find a way to fix the folding.
However, in May 2024 DESIGN BOOM Apple has reportedly filed a patent for a foldable device with a self-healing screen designed to repair small dents and scratches on its own without the user’s help, using methods such as heat, light and electric current to speed up the self-repair process.
There are also various reports regarding the scale. informationApple canceled plans for the iPhone Flip around 2020 to focus on a foldable iPad with an 8-inch display. Backed up According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Meanwhile, a leak Suggest The display will likely be 7.3 or 7.6 inches, with rumors suggesting it could be closer than that. 7.9 inches The foldable display could also be placed on the outside of the device, like the Huawei Mate Xs 2, and could be large enough to be compatible with Apple Pencil.
Features and Specifications
One of Apple’s recent patents details a self-preserving mechanism that would allow the hinge to close during a drop to protect the screen from damage.
Apple is also considering plans to use a color e-ink display on the outside of the device, which would go a long way towards improving battery life.
In terms of specifications, you can naturally expect 5G support, strong battery life, and high-end processing power.
Software and Features
This all depends on whether Apple launches a phone or a tablet as its first foldable device.
The iPhone is expected to launch with the latest iOS and the added features of a foldable device, while the tablet is expected to launch with the latest iPadOS.
iPhone Flip: Release Date Rumors
As mentioned, there’s no specific release date, but we can expect the iPhone Flip, or some sort of replacement, to appear sometime after 2025.
Apple has already confirmed that the iPhone 16 series will be released in the second half of 2024, and we would have heard about plans for a foldable smartphone by now, so we’re pretty sure we won’t be seeing anything announced this year.
So, it’s still all speculation at this point as leakers and experts do their best to dig up more information about what we can expect and when.
Given Apple’s apparent indecision over design and format, as well as its quest for wrinkle-free displays, it might be safe to assume we’ll see something after 2026. But with Apple, anything can happen.
How much does iPhone Flip cost?
This will depend on how Apple ultimately approaches the design and the materials and technologies used.
If you choose a smaller foldable device, it could be priced in the same league as the iPhone 15 Pro Max ($1,199), but if you choose a larger device with newer technology that can be used as both a phone and a tablet, it’s more likely to enter the market at around the $2,000 price point, like when the Galaxy Fold debuted.
There’s also a chance that they’ll release both a premium version and a budget model, with both devices at opposite ends of the price spectrum.
Featured Image: iPhone Flip concept design Technizo Concept/LetsGoDigital
