Rumor | Apple’s Working on a 9-inch Foldable Device (But It’s Not an iPhone)

2 Min Read Published: Apr 1st, 2022

Text Size

- +

Toggle Dark Mode

There have been countless rumors saying that Apple’s working on a new foldable iPhone supposedly called iPhone Fold. Now, new rumors point out that Apple’s still working on a foldable device, but it won’t be the iPhone.

Recently, a report from The Elec claimed that LG is collaborating with Apple to develop a new foldable OLED panel. This display is said to have ultra-thin cover glass, and it’s expected to be used in future Apple tablets and notebooks.

In response to this report, popular Apple analyst and leaker Ming-Chi Kuo pretty much agreed with the rumor, claiming that Apple is actively testing a foldable OLED that measures about 9 inches.

According to Kuo, Apple’s getting ready to test a new device that’ll be right in the middle between the iPhone and iPad. However, Apple’s making these tests to experiment with the technology, and that doesn’t necessarily mean the company is testing the actual product.

I think the priority order of sizes of Apple foldable product development is medium, large, & small. Apple is actively testing foldable OLED about 9" (PPI between iPhone & iPad, adoption of TDDI). The test is to verify key technologies and may not be the final product spec. https://t.co/phbdIhFO3C— éƒæ˜ŽéŒ¤ (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) April 1, 2022

But What About the iPhone Fold?

Kuo also explained that Apple’s still working on the so-called iPhone Fold. However, this product might take longer than expected.

Just last year, Kuo said Apple would release a foldable iPhone in 2024, but now the analyst believes we won’t see Apple’s first foldable device until 2025.

I expected Apple to launch a foldable iPhone as soon as 2024 in my reports last year, but now it’s clear this prediction needs to be revised. I predict Apple may launch its first foldable product in 2025 at the earliest, which may be a foldable iPad or a hybrid of iPad & iPhone.Ming-Chi Kuo on Twitter

With that said, even if Apple releases its first foldable product in 2025, Kuo isn’t sure if it’ll be the foldable iPhone or the hybrid foldable product Apple’s working on.

One thing’s for sure – the first foldable Apple product’s still a few years away, so don’t hold your breath waiting on it. Apple’s well-known for trying to be the best, not the first in a new market.

[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.]