Apple’s rumored foldable device probably won’t be an iPhone

Apple has been working on its first foldable product for quite some time — but it won’t be an iPhone.This is according to Taiwanese supply chain sources, who told DigiTimes (via MacRumors) that this product has been in the works for quite some time. According to the outlet, the foldable Apple product is set to be a “larger device” than your run-of-the-mill iPhone, being closer in design to an iPad or a Macbook than a smartphone. 

These sources also claim that different design prototypes and ideas are converging, with mass production of the item reportedly being the next step. But what’s with the hold-up? Samsung released its first Galaxy folding phone back in 2019, meaning that even if we do get a foldable Apple device, it will be five years later than its main competitor.

Purportedly, the biggest barrier Apple is facing right now are the hinge mechanisms for foldable devices. The company is still trying to design a foldable design panel that meets its usual high standards in quality. And according to DigiTimes, rumors that Apple Vision Pro engineers have moved the foldable phones are true. But contrary to other rumors, the company has not put a pause on its work on foldable products. Instead, it is being claimed that Apple now has multiple departments dedicated to different foldable products.

But don’t expect to see them anytime soon — the report added that we won’t be seeing any of these devices launching before 2025. Still, we shouldn’t give up hope on the release of an Apple flip phone just yet. We know that Apple has, in the past, been granted a patent for a multi-layered flip phone for a crack-resistant protective screen layer structure not just for smartphones, but for other foldable devices like tablets and laptops.

Featured Image: Photo by Saad Chaudhry on Unsplash 

Charlotte Colombo

Freelance Journalist

Charlotte Colombo is a freelance journalist with bylines in Metro.co.uk, Radio Times, The Independent, Daily Dot, Glamour, Stylist, and VICE among others. She most recently worked as a Staff Writer for entertainment outlet The Digital Fix for two years and, prior to that, worked with Business Insider and Dexerto on their digital culture desks. She’s also appeared on BBC Radio 5 and The Guardian podcast to share her expertise on technology, influencers, and niche internet subcultures.

She holds an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London and has been freelancing for three years. She has a wide range of specialties including technology, digital culture, entertainment, lifestyle, and neurodiversity.’