Is Apple’s Foldable iPhone Coming Out Soon? | Here’s What We Know
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Foldable phones have become the next big thing in the smartphone world. The ability to fold your screen like it's nothing is certainly a fun idea — and it also opens the door to a significant number of new possibilities.
With the current foldable phone craze, many are wondering if Apple plans to jump on the train with its own foldable iPhone.
The good news is multiple sources have confirmed that Apple has been working on a foldable device for several years. The not-so-good news is that it might take a while before we actually see it. Still, there's been enough buzz about Apple's plans to give us some idea of what's coming. Read on for everything we know about Apple's rumored foldable iPhone.
What Will Apple Call Its Foldable iPhone?
Like everything else, Apple is very secretive when it comes to naming its upcoming products. However, that doesn't mean we don't have a pretty good idea about what name it might choose for its foldable iPhone.
So far, the most popular contenders among internet sources are iPhone Flip or iPhone Fold.
With that said, these two names are too similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Series Fold and Flip devices. Apple isn't likely to go there, so consider these as placeholders for now, with iPhone Flip being the more popular option.
What Will the 'iPhone Flip' Look Like?
There have been several rumors about the possible design of the foldable iPhone.
Some reports suggest Apple might be working on an iPhone that's similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, meaning it would be a large iPhone that would open to the side to reveal a big iPad-like screen.
However, that might not be the actual design. According to well-known Apple leaker Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple doesn't want to mess with the iPad lineup. A foldable iPhone that's large enough to turn into an iPad mini could discourage folks from buying an actual iPad.
Apple wants to avoid that, which is why we might see something more similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, which has the feel of a classic flip phone.
Apple Is Testing Huge Screens
Regardless of which design Apple goes with, there have been reports that Apple is testing some pretty huge foldable screens.
Rumor has it that Apple is working on large 8-inch and 9-inch displays. A 9-inch display would make the iPhone bigger than both the iPad mini (8.3-inch display) and the Samsung Galaxy Fold (7.6-inch display).
However, Apple is also said to be working on a foldable iPad, so that might be the reason it's testing such big displays.
There have also been rumors that Apple is preparing to use color e-ink displays, which are basically lower-power screens designed for efficiency. Using a display like that on the outside of the "iPhone Flip" would make it easier to provide good battery life even with the extra screen.
Wait, Did You Say Foldable iPad?
Yes, rumor has it that Apple is also working on a bigger, foldable iPad, which will keep the Apple Pencil support and might even have its own operating system. Still, there aren't very many rumors about it right now, so I wouldn't hold my breath.
How Much Will the iPhone Flip Cost?
No matter which design Apple ends up going with, the so-called "iPhone Flip" will not be cheap.
There haven't yet been many leaks about the possible price, but we can take an educated guess based on what the competition offers.
As of right now, the current Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 starts at around $1,000, while the larger and more powerful Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 starts at $1,800. No matter which way Apple goes with its design, one thing's for sure: this won't be a budget iPhone. Expect it to cost at least $1,100. Fortunately, you still have time to start saving for it.
When Is Apple's Foldable iPhone Coming?
So, when should we expect the "iPhone Flip" to launch? The truth is, nobody's quite sure yet.
Some believed that Apple would launch the foldable iPhone in 2023, but by the look of things, that's not too likely.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that, while he first believed Apple might release the foldable iPhone in 2024, he now thinks Apple won't launch it before 2025. This means a 2025 launch is likely the best-case scenario.
However, it may not even come that soon. Apple is known for taking its time when it comes to releasing new products like this, so we may have to play the waiting game for a few more years before we actually see the first foldable iPhone appear. Nevertheless, a foldable iPhone and even a foldable iPad will be amazing new products that we'll all be excited to try out.