While making a phone is more complex, the company is said to be trying a foldable iPad model.
For several years now, there has been a rumor that Apple is working on a foldable iPhone. The Cupertino company is one of the few that has not yet made the leap to the new trend of flexible screens on its devices, and although some have lost hope that it will do so, the truth is that it seems that a new foldable iPhone is almost ready to be announced.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is preparing to launch its first foldable device. The firm led by Tim Cook is reportedly fine-tuning the prototype’s final details in preparation for a global rollout next year. While the aforementioned article does not mention a specific model, the evidence above points to Apple opting for a mobile device.
Journalist Mark Gurman, known for leaking Apple news, points out that the company is working on multiple designs. The first of these would be a thinner version that will be released at the end of 2025, while another design will debut next year along with the foldable device. The journalist gives details about the latter and only mentions that the company is focused on finishing the development of its first foldable to launch it in 2026.
Meanwhile, Bloomberg’s article comes at a time when a leak also emerged claiming that Apple is actively working on two prototypes of the foldable iPhone. According to sources close to the project, engineers are reportedly developing two clamshell models, similar in design to the Galaxy Z Flip 6 or the Motorola Razr 50.
The challenge of launching a foldable iPhone
Working on a project as ambitious as a foldable phone comes with several challenges. For one, Apple must address one of the problems plaguing all foldable devices: the crease. The company is reportedly prioritizing eliminating this crease to achieve a perfect display, although that requires materials science and advanced engineering.
On the other hand, it’s all about durability and reliability, as building a strong, reliable hinge that maintains a slim profile can seem like a complex engineering task. Apple is known for its strict quality control, so ensuring the long-term durability of a foldable iPhone is a critical challenge.
In addition to all of the above, Apple will need to optimize the operating system, allowing for a seamless user experience when switching between folded and unfolded modes. The latter could take longer than usual, especially if we consider that these modifications will have to be integrated into the operating system used by the rest of the iPhones.
While making a phone is more complex, the company is said to be trying to make a foldable iPad model. The size and width requirements are less demanding than with a cell phone, which would provide additional wiggle room. The foldable iPad is another of the most talked about rumors of recent years, so some believe it could be the device that arrives at any time next year.
