Kuo: Apple Testing 9-Inch Foldable Device, but Foldable iPhone Unlikely Until 2025 or Later

[MacRumors]

Apple is testing a device with a 9-inch foldable display, but the company's long-rumored foldable iPhone is unlikely to launch until 2025 or later, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

On Twitter, Kuo said that Apple is "actively testing" a device with a 9-inch foldable OLED display and a PPI somewhere between the iPhone and the iPad. This device is purportedly being used to evaluate and verify the key technologies involved in Apple's foldable, and may not feature the specifications of any final retail product.

Kuo believes that Apple's foldable product development is initially focusing on medium-sized devices, followed by devices with larger displays, before finally expanding to small devices like the iPhone.

Kuo also revised his prediction from last year that claimed that Apple will launch its foldable iPhone as soon as 2024, explaining that it is now clear that this prediction needs to be revised to 2025 at the earliest. He added that Apple's first foldable device may be a hybrid iPhone and iPad, or simply a foldable iPad.

Kuo's comments come in response to a report from the The Elec, which claimed that Apple is collaborating with LG to develop a foldable OLED display panel with ultra-thin cover glass for future Apple tablets and notebooks. In February, display analyst Ross Young ignited rumors about Apple working on large foldable devices, explaining that the company is exploring all-screen foldable notebooks with displays around 20-inches in size.

Article Link: Kuo: Apple Testing 9-Inch Foldable Device, but Foldable iPhone Unlikely Until 2025 or Later

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Just think (different): that would be iPad-sized screen that can fold into a size that fits in a pocket. Big screen for bigger-screen benefits and pocketable for hands-free mobility benefits... in ONE device!!!

 

[WiiDSmoker]

But people on here told me that Apple would never copy Samsung

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

No, thank you.

I’m not interested in foldable iPhones anymore. Never have and never will. Let Samsung keep its foldable smartphone crown.

 

[multipasser]

I mean.. are we really waiting for this?

A phone with a projector/hologram seems nicer as you can watch movies on walls ect.
What is the added value of foldable screens?

 

[H2SO4]

Just think: that would be iPad-sized screen that can fold into a size that fits in a pocket. Big screen for bigger-screen benefits and pocketable for hands-free mobility benefits... in ONE device!!!

That's pretty much the opposite of what people were saying when Samsung mooted/tried the idea. I think it's great, AS LONG AS, they manage to get the glass to be resilient enough.

If Apple release one, there are going to be an awful lot of people that don't own cars doing U turns.

 

[Corsig]

I always remember when people screamed no one needed an iPad before it was released. “Who wants a giant iPhone?” Now look how many are sold. I’ll wait until it’s actually released if ever to pass judgment on whether I need it or not

 

[krspkbl]

foldable ipad makes more sense than a foldable phone. still, i am not buying any foldable device unless they significantly improve durability. so far all these folding devices have soft plastic screens which will be ruined as soon as your nail or a tiny bit of dust touches it. no thanks...

 

[Karma*Police]

This would be a good time to rethink their product strategy… do away with iPad mini, morph MacOS and iPadOS into one OS that can scale from 10” tablets to multi-monitor desktop setups. No more why won’t my iPad allow me to do this or that and why can’t my Mac have a touch screen and stylus from frustrated users.

 

[Freeangel1]

WOW. lost sales. lots if they wait til 2025

Galaxy foldable phones are selling well.

They just need a better camera and the latest chip. they are behind on that vs the S22 ultra.

 

[now i see it]

Foldable iPhone
Apple Car
Air Power
AR Headset

 

[VulchR]

But people on here told me that Apple would never copy Samsung

Who says they are? Perhaps Apple is testing a foldable device made two screens and a precision hinge (the only robust solution - bad things happen when you flex circuits).

 

[cthompson94]

I think foldables have a chance, the fold variations seem to be improving quite well for the majority (my good friend has had no issues with his besides finding a case he likes for it.) I think the main thing to determine the success for an iphone variant would be the features specific to the added with having more screen now. I think with how big the iPad market is, anyone who felt the occasional need to have a bigger screen have already picked an iPad up. It may very well boil down to who would rather deal with 2 devices or one device that sits thicker in your pocket (that was the biggest thing my friend had to overcome when he first got the fold 3)

 

[icanhazmac]

Can't be bothered to even consider this until the glass is basically bulletproof and/or an Otterbox defender is also foldable. This just seems like a fragile flower that will get dropped and destroyed.

 

[DanteHicks79]

Foldable phones are little more than a gimmick, like 3D tvs. Remember 3D tvs? They were being massively hyped - and nobody bought. How many 3D tvs do you see on the market now?

Not even Android folk are really all that excited about foldables. If they were, you'd see them everywhere.

Maybe instead of making foldable devices, Apple can focus on releasing iOS versions that don't require a zillion patches and updates to deliver the functionality promised at launch?

 

[TVreporter]

Apple taking Bend Gate to a whole new level.

 

[filmantopia]

I always remember when people screamed no one needed an iPad before it was released. “Who wants a giant iPhone?” Now look how many are sold. I’ll wait until it’s actually released if ever to pass judgment on whether I need it or not

I just re-watched the Ashton Kutcher "Jobs" film, and it was amusing watching young Steve making calls trying to sell the first personal computer to companies before it existed, and almost everyone rejected it because they didn't think it would be useful. The vast don't know what they want until they see it in action.

Apple isn't going to make a foldable device unless they have a solid vision for it. An if this rumor is any indication, they do.

 

[Mr. Dee]

I believe Apple is the one feeding Kuo with these rumors off record. They know if they can get the word out they working on this too, it will upset the competition and make users pause buying decisions until they see what Apple has to offer.

 

[reyesmac]

I could see them using foldable screens for laptops and for putting a screen on the edge of a device. That screen can be protected better but then you have the problem of what problem does it solve? A screen that can wrap around so that you can have a screen on both sides while only having one connection is also nifty but at what cost and for what benefit? Foldable screens do not seem the way Apple is heading. It tries to have things no other manufacturer can mimic for years. And the sooner they come out with glasses the faster they will be able to add parts to your computer that only exist as augmented reality addons. The better that technology gets the less actual hardware you would need.

 

[zorinlynx]

Yay, a big obvious mechanical failure point. No thanks.

I like being able to pull out my phone and just use it, without having to unfold anything. I'm not sure what the benefit would be; it's one more thing to wear out, debris could get inside and crack the screen when you fold it, etc.

Apple spent the last decade getting rid of mechanical parts that wear out; why would they bring that back?

 

[Christoffee]

Dave2D has got a great review of a foldable laptop.

@TheYayAreaLiving ? Does it not tempt you a little?

 

[medazinol]

Does anyone really want or need a folding phone? The UX is just terrible, unless they add another screen to the other side for quick checks. Having to unfold a large phone to reply to a text or a email is rather cumbersome

 

[Edsel]

Unfolding your phone is an additional step to view your screen. Unless they add a small "exterior" screen to show txt, call prompts, etc...the folding aspect is a pain in the arse.

 

[Rychiar]

ZERO interest in foldable. not practical at all. imagine dropping one. yikes. Foldable iPad however would be nice

 

[lk400]

But people on here told me that Apple would never copy Samsung

Jobs was on about such a device at one stage. I think it was before he died. Pretty sure they’ve been testing this out for a decade waiting for the tech to mature and if it does will release something and if it doesn’t wont. But sure turn into an a vs b.