Apple is rumored to be releasing a foldable iPhone, tentatively called the “iPhone Fold,” with a flexible OLED display in 2025. While the company has been working on the technology for a folding iPhone for years, the necessary technology is still being developed and it is unclear what form the device will take.
There have been conflicting rumors about whether the device will be a flip phone or take the form of an iPad mini-sized product, like the renders suggest.
Apple has been taking its time to perfect the technology for a foldable, as devices released by other companies have encountered issues such as poor software optimization and creased displays. In contrast to companies like Samsung, which have been developing their folding technology in public with the Samsung Galaxy Fold and Samsung Galaxy Flip, Apple has been more secretive about its efforts.
However, patents suggest that Apple is working on complex hinges, new display technology, and hybrid OLED that doesn’t crease in order to overcome these issues and ensure that the “iPhone Fold” is a high-quality product.
In terms of features, the “iPhone Fold” is likely to feature a USB-C port and support MagSafe, Apple’s wireless charging and accessory system. It is also possible that the device will use Touch ID or Face ID for biometric authentication. Face ID placement could be complicated on a foldable device that can be used open or shut, so it is possible that the external power button could be used for Touch ID instead.
When it comes to the operating system, it is unclear how Apple will optimize iOS or iPadOS for the folding device. It is possible that little may have to change if the display only works in a fully open position, but there is also the possibility that Apple could allow for use in partially open positions for certain apps, such as gaming or chat apps.
One challenge that Apple will have to overcome in the design of the “iPhone Fold” is the placement of the cameras. In order to provide high-quality images and video on both the external and internal displays, the cameras will need to be placed on both sides of the device. Some folding Android devices have multiple positions for operation and even an external display for use when the main display is closed, but it is not clear whether Apple will adopt similar features for its first foldable.
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