/ Apple won't give up on foldable iPhone: two prototypes already in development

Rumors that Apple is working on a foldable iPhone have been around for a few years now. However, there has been no official news about this alleged device until now, and probably wont be for quite some time. Despite this, the Cupertino-based company has not given up on this project and, whats more, already has a couple of prototypes in development.

This is according to The Information in its latest report on the subject. According to a source close to the initiative, Apple is still actively working on a foldable iPhone. According to available information, both models that the company is experimenting with are clamshell models. That is, in the style of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, Oppo Find N2 Flip or Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, among many others.

However, the report warns that prototypes of foldable iPhones are only in the early stages of development. Therefore, they are not expected to hit the market for a few years at the earliest, as long as Tim Cook`s team believes that the device meets their standards of quality and durability.

An interesting piece of information from The Information is that Apple has allegedly been talking to its suppliers in Asia about possibly ordering components for foldable iPhones, but in two different sizes. It remains to be seen whether the company may experiment with different screen sizes to determine which would be most appropriate, or whether it may release two variants of the same device.

Apples problems in creating a foldable iPhone

It appears that the foldable iPhone project will face a number of technical as well as design challenges. According to the report, Apple`s main concerns are battery size and battery life, as well as the durability of the internal display. Also mentioned is the desire to build a panel on the outer casing to access various functions when the phone is closed, which has become almost standard for this type of smartphone.

In terms of size, Apple is reportedly looking for an "Apple-esque" solution. The Information indicates that the industrial design team intends for the foldable iPhone to be twice as thick as a regular iPhone when unfolded. This way, the device won`t become too thick and it won`t be uncomfortable to carry in your pocket.

For comparison, the iPhone 15 Pro and Prox Max are 8,3 millimeters thick. The standard and Plus versions are 7,8 millimeters. If we take the Galaxy Z Flip 5 as an example, its thickness in the unfolded state is 6,9 millimeters, and in the folded state - 15,1 millimeters.

Given these numbers, creating a foldable iPhone without compromising on thickness seems like a serious challenge. Of course, as we always say when discussing rumors about unannounced Apple products, its best to take all such information with a grain of salt.

Rumors of a foldable iPad are also gaining momentum

Another interesting thing that the author of the report says is that Apple is also pushing the idea of a foldable iPad. In fact, he points out that the Cupertino-based company started the foldable iPhone project in 2018, but put it on hold in 2020 and then resumed it. In the midst of all this, the opportunity arose to focus on a tablet with a flexible screen. Why? Because it would be easier to adapt the technology to the iPad, as its requirements would be less stringent than a cell phone.

A few days ago, The Elec reported that the Californian was making progress on developing a foldable iPad with an 8-inch screen as a replacement for the iPad mini. While this would be Apple`s first device with a flexible screen, it wont launch until 2026 or 2027 at the earliest. If this is confirmed, it will be a few more years before a foldable iPhone is available.