Apple has reportedly begun working on developing a foldable iPhone rumoured to be in the style of clamshell phones, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series, rather than transforming into tablets like the Galaxy Z Fold or Google’s Pixel Fold.
However, the sources suggest that these foldable iPhones are still in early stages of development and could potentially be cancelled. If they do proceed to market, it’s unlikely they will be available before 2025.
Apple has been facing various design challenges in the development of foldable phones. These challenges include concerns over the thickness of the device when folded, durability issues, higher costs compared to non-foldable versions. Other issues include visibility and touch perception of the seam in the middle of the display, and difficulties with the hinge design affecting the device’s ability to sit flat on a table.
It’s unsurprising Apple is facing these challenges, since they also plague current foldable Android phones, even after multiple hardware iterations. Durability concerns and high costs have limited the adoption of foldable phones, with recent analyst estimates suggesting they make up only about 1.6 percent of all smartphone sales.
Given Apple’s reputation for innovation and its history of overcoming design challenges, it’s plausible that the company is exploring foldable iPhone designs as it considers the future of iPhone development. With the iPhone’s design largely remaining unchanged from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 15, foldable phones could represent the next evolution in Apple’s smartphone design.
However, the success of foldable iPhones will hinge on Apple’s ability to address the same issues that have hindered other foldable devices. Despite the challenges, Apple’s track record in innovation suggests that if any company can overcome these obstacles, it’s likely to be Apple.
