According to a report from The Information, Apple has been studying the development of a foldable iPhone for several years now, starting in 2018. The latest information suggests that Apple has already developed prototypes of the device. However, there are several obstacles that prevent it from meeting Apple’s product design standards. For instance, they want the device to be thinner than the current iPhones when folded, while still ensuring that the battery and screen components can adequately support the device. Due to these challenges, the project has been put on hold since 2020.
As an alternative, Apple has shifted its focus to developing a foldable iPad. This device is similar in size to the iPad mini, with an 8-inch screen. The progress of this project has been more successful, as the durability criteria for iPads are not as stringent as those for iPhones. Thickness when folding is not the primary factor for consideration, unlike with iPhones.
However, the current challenge for the foldable iPad is to ensure that the screen remains smooth and responsive when unfolded, regardless of whether it is being operated with a finger or an Apple Pencil. This level of seamless user experience has yet to be achieved.
Based on this report, it seems unlikely that we will see a foldable iPhone released within the next year or two (despite previous predictions by Ming-Chi Kuo for a 2023 release). However, it is possible that a foldable iPad may be introduced instead.
TLDR: Apple has been studying the development of a foldable iPhone since 2018, but challenges in meeting design standards have put the project on hold. Instead, Apple is focusing on developing a foldable iPad, which is closer to becoming a reality. Achieving a smooth user experience when unfolded remains a challenge for the foldable iPad. A release of the foldable iPhone is unlikely in the near future, while a foldable iPad may be a possibility.
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