5 Things We Need in Apple’s First Foldable iPhone

By Tyler Lacoma

3 Min Read Published: Aug 17th, 2019

Foldable iPad, iMac, or iPhone Concept Render

The latest predictions have Apple introducing a foldable iPhone or iPad in 2021, which raises a big question: Just what should a foldable iOS device look like? What should it do? How can it stand out from a growing crowd of costly foldable phones, so that people will buy it?

Foldable phones are a tricky business. The leader of the flock, Samsung, had to cancel preorders completely because first reviewers found so many problems with the Galaxy Fold – and we still don't know if the Fold will be released this year or not.

Apple needs to tread carefully: But what does that mean? Continue reading to learn 5 Things We Need in Apple's First Foldable iPhone.

Provide Better Battery Life (and a Flexible Battery)

Here's the thing about foldable devices, they have to be a bit bigger, and a bit thicker, than their non-folding cousins. That means more weight in your pocket, but it also offers a valuable opportunity: a chance to increase the battery size and improve battery life!

If Apple does introduce a foldable iPhone, we hope it comes with a truly impressive battery life, since the phone is likely to have a bit of extra room for a larger battery. There are also rumors that Apple is looking into flexible batteries, which is another cool idea with loads of potential.

Offer Multiple Foldable Options

Apple Foldable Iphone Patent — Patently Apple

Some of Apple's patents feature a device that can be folded in multiple ways. Interestingly, some also have built-in heating, since warm screens are easier to fold and less likely to be damaged! We're big fans of this idea because it allows for more usability than a simple, fold-in-half phone. Imagine watching a movie and folding back a fourth of your phone to automatically view texts, actor biographies, or a list of related movies. And that's just a small example of the many things you could do with a screen that folds many different ways.

Avoid Traditional Hinges

Foldable Iphone Concept Render — MacRumors

Many of the planned foldable phones that we know about today come with hinge mechanisms around which the phone and its screen fold. Apple please avoid this. These hinges have one huge problem. When a part moves, it eventually wears out. Prototypes have shown that these hinges can wear out very fast. A foldable iPhone needs a more innovative way to fold. We know you can do it, Apple!

Come with Plenty of Compatible Apps

Foldable Iphone Concept Image — EverythingApplePro

One weakness of foldable phones is that there aren't many compatible apps, and developers might not have any experience making apps for foldable phones. Apple needs to take this ball and run with it, developing its own apps to work with a foldable iPhone. These apps should have seamless transitions when the screen folds, and the ability to sense what position the screen is in at any time. Ideally, they'll have modes for any possible screen position and are always responsive to phone actions. Apple really needs to lead the way here so that other developers know what to do.

Make It Glass

Iphone Fold — Gilsing Design / Foldable News

Apple's foldable iPhone is rumored to be made out of glass. That sounds like an excellent idea! Other foldable phones don't use glass displays because, well, they can't. Currently, only polymers really work for folding phones, but they're also weak and can be easily damaged, a catch-22 that hit Samsung hard. Apple's idea focuses on a glass screen that's carefully manufactured to bend around an axis: This could be a big talking point for Apple and an easy way to stand out of the competition. Plus, the display would probably look better as a result. If the glass idea pans out, this could be the model for all smartphones to follow in the future.