Does it flip or fold? Here’s everything we know so far about Apple’s foldable iPhone

From form factor to launch date, here's everything we know so far about Apple's plan for a foldable iPhone.

Foldable iPhone | apple iphone | iphone fold

Some rumours previously suggested the foldable iPhone will have an external e-ink display. (Image: @conceptsiphone on Instagram)

It has been almost five years since Samsung launched its first foldable, and since then, there have been plenty of rumours about what’s Apple’s answer to the Galaxy Z fold and Flip. Until this day, there has been no official confirmation regarding Apple’s highly anticipated foldable. While some reports suggest Apple’s foldable could be just around the corner and might launch in 2025, others refute it, stating Apple won’t launch a foldable device until at least 2027. If you are an enthusiast looking forward to Apple’s first foldable, here is everything we know so far about the next big thing from the iPhone maker.

Apple foldable iPhone release date

When it comes to the launch date of the foldable iPhone, rumours are scattered across various sources. Ming-Chi Kuo, a prominent industry analyst, claims that Apple won’t launch a foldable iPhone until at least 2025. On the other hand, Ben Wood, an analyst from CCS Insight suggests that Apple could launch a foldable iPad ahead of a foldable iPhone. Meanwhile, another report from South Korea indicates that Apple is likely to make use of Samsung’s foldable display technology, and one should not expect a foldable from Apple until 2027. Right now, no one has an idea of when to expect a foldable from an iPhone, however, it is almost certain that, it won’t be arriving anytime soon, at least until 2025.

Also Read | Samsung may launch an affordable version of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 in 2024

iPhone might take the flip/fold route

While Apple might have discontinued its iPhone mini-series, the iPhone 15 is still one of the most compact mainstream flagship smartphones in the world. Going by that, several reports clearly suggest that Apple might consider a flip-style foldable rather than a bigger note-style foldable.

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Ming Chi-Kuo, who states Apple’s foldable isn’t due until 2025, also suggests that the first flip-style foldable from Apple could include a massive 8-inch display (when unfolded), which is much bigger than Samsung’s biggest foldable—Galaxy Z Fold5. However, another report suggests that it could come with a more modest 7.5-inch screen, and there are also reports indicating a much bigger 9-inch screen, making it larger than the iPad mini.

Kuo indicates that the foldable iPhone might have an external cover display, which might use e-ink technology for energy savings.

Also Read | Apple iPad Pro 2024 may have bigger OLED screen, M3 chip and new Magic Keyboard

A patent filed by Apple back in 2020 indicates that it is working on designing a clamshell-like form factor with a hinge system, similar to the Galaxy Z Flip5, where the internal display bends itself, preventing the formation of a crease, one of the biggest issues of a foldable. Another patent hints at two displays that attach magnetically to each other when folded, and this one would look similar to the Surface Duo rather than a Motorola Razr or Galaxy Z Flip. Or Apple could just surprise us all by delivering a rollable foldable, similar to the Motorola RIZR.

As per the renders by LetsGo Digital, the first foldable from Apple might look similar to an iPhone 14 Pro with an external display, which can be folded in half. According to a concept published by ConceptsiPhone, the foldable iPhone could be the slimmest smartphone from the brand, featuring an iconic triple camera setup, similar to the iPhone 15 Pro.

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According to these renders, there will definitely be features like Face ID, a USB-C port for charging, and wireless charging. However, none of them talk about durability. According to the patent filed by Apple, the company could make use of a new material, which could have healing properties. However, until there is a significant advancement in material science, the foldable screen on the iPhone is likely to behave similarly to the current Android foldable.

In terms of software, the foldable iPhone is likely to run on the latest version of iOS, customized for the foldable form factor. And don’t expect Apple’s first foldable to be on the cheaper side. Considering the market trends and prices of other foldables, it is likely to cost more than the iPhone 15 Pro, and we might see a price tag of around $1,499, suggests several reports. The same would easily cost over Rs 2,00,000 in India.