Apple's first-ever foldable just tipped to launch next year — and it's a huge 20.3-inch hybrid

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The Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu has made some startling predictions about Apple's movements over the next two years, which include a new ‘Slim’ model of iPhone 17 and the company’s debut in the foldable space.


Apple's first foldable devices The analyst Pu claims that Apple has “accelerated” its foldable work, with “increasing visibility” of the company’s foldable devices on supply chain checks. 9to5Mac covered what Pu had to say about Apple’s foldable plans. It has previously been suggested that Apple won’t dive in with a foldable iPhone, and will instead test the waters in one of its lesser product categories, like a folding iPad or a MacBook/iPad hybrid. It’s a smaller pool of buyers, but the global tablet market is overwhelmingly dominated by Apple in a way that the smartphone market isn't, which makes it a useful area to experiment in.

The Pu investor note seems to back this up, with the prediction of a 20.3-inch foldable device arriving in late 2025, followed by an iPhone Fold or iPhone Flip in the tail-end of 2026.

There’s not much detail about either for the moment. Pu says that the first foldable will be a “new line-up for Apple” aimed squarely at the “ultra- high-end market," which perhaps isn’t surprising given the cost of foldables and Apple’s premium products more generally. If it’s as powerful as a MacBook Pro with a foldable panel, it could easily clear the $2,500 mark and be honing in on Vision Pro’s $3,500 price tag.

 

For real this time? New rumor suggests Apple is again working with Samsung on foldable screens​

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Rumors about a potential Apple foldable iPhone have been heating up lately, though we have been reporting rumors and leaks about this dream device for years now.

Neowin reported that Samsung and Apple have struck a deal to have Samsung Display work with Apple on a foldable display. The elusive iPhone Flip has been whispered about for so long that we even reported this same rumor in December of last year.


Samsung Display has long been Apple's leading partner in making Apple phones and laptop displays. The December leak hinted that LG Display was also working on parts for an Apple foldable, including a 20.25-inch foldable MacBook.

The latest news suggests that a foldable iPhone will debut in 2026, well beyond the current timeline of later this year or possibly 2025. The leaks, which need to be taken with a grain of salt, come from industry experts related to the supply chain.


Apple has been reported to be working on two different foldable devices. On one side is the long-rumored iPhone Flip, which would be positioned to take on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. The iPhone Flip has been rumored for so long that other companies, including Samsung, have lapped Apple multiple times over with foldable devices.

Display analyst Ross Young suggests a 2024 release of a foldable iPhone. He's usually on the mark regarding such tips. At this point, though, a foldable iPhone has reached Half-Life 3 levels of mythmaking. However, a foldable iPad or MacBook might be the device we see before a foldable iPhone. Based on rumors, we're leaning more toward the foldable iPad, but Apple could always surprise us.





 
Apple and Samsung join forces for a potential foldable iPhone

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Reports surrounding Apple’s foray into the foldable device market have gained momentum with recent reports suggesting a potential partnership with Samsung. This collaboration, if confirmed, could see Samsung supplying foldable display panels for Apple’s upcoming devices. Apple Enters the Foldable Market: Potential Partnership with Samsung Emerges

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The nature of this partnership remains under wraps. However, reports point towards Samsung playing a role in developing the technology behind Apple’s foldable screens, potentially under the codename “iPhone Fold.” This aligns with long-standing reports about Apple’s interest in a vertically folding phone reminiscent of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. Tentative release dates suggest a late 2026 launch window for this foldable iPhone. Apple’s patent activity further fuels enthusiasm about its foldable ambitions. These patents showcase designs for various foldable devices, encompassing everything from iPhones to MacBooks. Interestingly, a reported agreement with Samsung involves the production of a 20.3-inch foldable display panel. This size seems excessive for a smartphone but could pave the way for a groundbreaking foldable MacBook. It’s important to note that Apple is known to experiment with innovative technologies, so this large panel might be part of such exploration.


Further details suggest Apple is planning a dual-screen folding device that could function as a hybrid MacBook/iPad. Production for this device is reportedly slated to begin in 2025, with a potential 20.3-inch launch model. Additionally, reports indicate Apple is developing two foldable iPhone screen sizes: 7.9 inches and 8.3 inches.

 
Not a fan of foldable phones. I read too many reviews of them shits having lines in the phone from all the folding, messing up the picture quality, and other issues.
Even non foldable phones have defects. It happens. I've had mine for about 9 months now and so far so good.
 
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