Something that's been rumoured over the last few years is Apple preparing a foldable iPhone, yet to date we've not seen – or even heard – anything from the Cupertino firm on the matter. However, new rumours suggest wheels are finally being put into motion.
As rivals continue to push new foldable devices to the market, Apple has been unflappable in its continued push of new iPhones with alarmingly predictable frequency and design. However, to its credit, Apple is never one to jump onto a new trend early doors, instead preferring a slower approach as the industry works out the initial kinks. Who remembers the original Samsung Galaxy Z Fold debacle? Yikes.
We're four years removed from that troubled start for foldables, and a number of manufacturers including Motorola, Google, OnePlus, Oppo and Huawei have all joined the foldable fray since.
Now, according to a new report from South Korean outlet The Elec (via Apple Insider), one foldable display manufacturer is preparing for an influx of orders from Apple.
Samsung may play a major role in the foldable iPhone
It’s claimed that Samsung – one of several display manufacturers which supplies Apple – has reshuffled personnel in a team which handles OLED and foldable panels for phones in preparation for a possible Apple foldable.
Apparently, both Samsung and LG are already working on foldable displays for future Apple products, which may extend way beyond the iPhone Fold as the same report claims screens up to 20.25 inches are in the works. This could mean Apple may also be mulling a MacBook and/or iPad with a foldable display, which an earlier report by The Elec claims could arrive by 2025.
Adding more fuel to the fire, earlier this year a patent was spotted apparently detailing drop protection for a potential Apple foldable, while Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests a foldable iPhone/iPad hybrid may also arrive by 2025.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
With news that Samsung is potentially readying its foldable display teams, an iPhone Fold arrival in 2025, or even 2024, is certainly not off the cards.
John has been a technology journalist for more than a decade, and over the years has built up a vast knowledge of the tech industry. He’s reported on pretty much every area of consumer technology, from laptops, tablets, smartwatches and smartphones to smart speakers, automotive, headphones and more. During his time in journalism, John has written for TechRadar, T3, Shortlist, What Laptop, Windows 8 magazine, Gizmodo UK, Saga Magazine and Saga Exceptional, and he’s appeared in the Evening Standard and Metro newspapers.
Outside of work, John is a passionate Watford FC and Green Bay Packers fan, enjoys a Sunday afternoon watching the F1, and is also a Guinness World Record Holder.
-
M4 MacBook Air tipped for early 2025, but one M4 Mac has been delayed
Apple's moving all its Macs to the M4 processor – the first batch arrives next week
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Apple allegedly planning major changes to App Store that make so much sense
Apple might be making a one-stop shop for its best games.
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
These dummies allegedly show the iPhone 4 SE – and there's a big surprise
Could Apple be working on two different versions of the iPhone SE 4?
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
I tried the iPhone 16 Pro on safari – now I want one for the huge camera upgrade
The iPhone 16 Pro's zoom boost is a game-changer
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Apple’s now delivering big discounts on its best iPads
The fastest M1 iPad Pro and Air models are now appearing in the Apple refurb store
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
iPhone 17 Pro and entire iPhone 18 series tipped for a very important upgrade
The next iPhone Pro / Pro Max is expected to boost speeds through extra RAM
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
All-new Apple iPad mini 7 gets a surprise announcement – pre-orders now open
Apple isn't waiting for its next event to give us the news we've been waiting for
By Rik Henderson Published
-
This iPhone SE 4 feature may be missing in action
The iPhone SE 4 may resemble the most recent iPhones, but it looks like it'll be lacking one key feature
By Carrie Marshall Published