FAQ | Is Apple Really Working on a Foldable iPhone? When Is It Coming?

Most smartphones have evolved to look basically the same, but foldable phones are breaking the mold for the next generation of devices. There have already been a few great foldable phones already, with Samsung dominating the market with not one but two foldable phone models. And because of this crazy new trend, you’d think Apple is working on something similar, right? Well, there’s some good news and bad news.

The good news is that Apple is actually working on a foldable iPhone – or at least, that’s what the rumors say. The bad news is that we won’t see it any time soon. Here’s everything you need to know.

Is Apple Really Working on a Foldable iPhone?

According to many rumors, Apple’s been working on a foldable iPhone for quite a while now. The first rumors of a foldable iPhone started back in 2016.

The rumors of a foldable iPhone began when someone found out that LG would produce foldable displays, supplying Apple and Google. This led many to believe that Apple was already working on a new foldable device.

The rumors after that were pretty quiet until 2020; some reports pointed out that Samsung was going to provide foldable display samples to Apple. Moreover, in December 2020, there were more rumors that two different foldable iPhone prototypes had passed durability tests.

Then, famous leaker and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple was working on an 8-inch foldable iPhone. This iPhone would have a flexible OLED display, but we wouldn’t see its release for at least a couple more years.

Likewise, Bloomberg and leaker Jon Prosser also mentioned that Apple had started working on a foldable iPhone. However, this iPhone is only a prototype, and Apple is currently only working on the display.

What Will the Foldable iPhone Look Like?

The foldable iPhone, also unofficially known as iPhone Flip or iPhone Fold, doesn’t really have an actual design just yet since Apple’s only beginning to work on the foldable device, and it’s mainly focusing on the flexible display. However, Prosser has mentioned that one of the prototypes has two separate displays that connect with a hinge in the middle. Think of it like Microsoft’s Surface Duo.

Jon Prosser also mentioned that the foldable iPhone will feature round edges similar to the iPhone 11 and will have a small place at the top of the screen for Face ID, although it won’t necessarily be considered as a notch.

Is Apple Working on Two Foldable iPhones?

It would make sense if Apple is working on two different foldable iPhones – not only would this let it better compete with Samsung’s foldable phones, but it’ll also give customers a cheaper option to go for instead of just buying Apple’s most expensive model. And while there’s nothing concrete, rumor has it that Apple is working on two different models. In addition to the dual-screen iPhone that Prosser mentioned, the other foldable iPhone prototype is similar in design to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip.

When Will the Foldable iPhone Be Released?

Whether Apple is working on one or two foldable iPhones, we won’t see it (or them) for at least two more years. Ming-Chi Kuo first said that Apple would release the foldable iPhone in 2023, if the company could solve some issues regarding mass production. Unfortunately, according to Kuo, Apple still has problems with this new device. Because of this, Kuo changed the expected date to sometime in 2024. So I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you.

How Much Will the Foldable iPhone Cost?

Since it’s too early to tell, we don’t know how much the first-generation foldable iPhone will cost – however, based on other foldable phones on the market, we can make an educated guess. Currently, models like the Motorola Razr 5G and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip go for around $1,000, while bigger foldable devices like the Samsung Galaxy Fold3 costs almost $1,800. Based on this information, we can expect Apple to match these prices and make the new foldable iPhone or iPhones cost anywhere between $1,000 to $2,000. No matter what, it’s basically guaranteed that Apple’s first foldable will be its most expensive iPhone ever.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]