Apple isn’t giving up on the foldable iPhone: it already has two prototypes in development

Rumors that Apple is working on foldable iPhone They have been around for many years. However, we haven’t had any official news about this supposed device so far, and we’ll likely be going without it for quite some time. Despite this, the people of Cupertino would not give up on this project and, in fact, They already have a couple of prototypes in development..

This is what it indicates Information in its latest report on this topic. The aforementioned media outlet indicates that Apple is still actively working on a foldable iPhone, according to a source close to the initiative. According to available information, The two models the company is experimenting with are clamshell types.. That is, in the style of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, Oppo Find N2 Flip or Motorola Razr 40 Ultra and many others.

However, the report warns that foldable iPhone prototypes are only in the early stages of development. So they aren’t expected to hit the market for a few years as long as Tim Cook feels the device meets their quality and durability standards.

An interesting fact that gives Information is that Apple would maintain contacts with its suppliers in Asia for possible ordering of components for foldable iPhones, but in two different sizes. It’s unclear whether the company will be able to experiment with different screen sizes to see which one is most suitable, or whether it will be able to release two variants of the same device.

Apple’s problems with creating a foldable iPhone

Apparently, the foldable iPhone project will face a number of technical and design challenges. According to the report, Apple’s main concerns are the battery size and battery life, as well as the durability of the internal screen.. Also mentioned is the desire to place a panel on the outer cover to provide access to various functions when the mobile phone is closed, which is almost standard for smartphones of this type.

In terms of size, Apple will be looking for an Apple-like solution. Information indicates that the industrial design team suggests that when opened, the foldable iPhone twice as thin as a regular iPhone. This way, the device will not become too thick and will not cause discomfort when carried in your pocket.

For comparison, the thickness of the iPhone 15 Pro and Prox Max is 8.3 millimeters. While for the Standard and Plus versions it is 7.8 millimeters. If we take the Galaxy Z Flip 5 as a sample, its thickness is 6.9 millimeters when unfolded and 15.1 millimeters when folded.

Considering these data, Making a foldable iPhone that’s as thin as it sounds sounds like a big challenge. Of course, as we always say when we talk about rumors about unannounced Apple products, it’s best to take all this information with a grain of salt.

The rumor of a foldable iPad is also gaining momentum

Another interesting point raised by the report’s author is that Apple will also be moving forward with foldable iPad. In fact, this indicates that the people of Cupertino started the foldable iPhone project in 2018, but put it on hold in 2020 and then resumed it. In the midst of all this, an opportunity arose to focus efforts on a tablet with a flexible screen. Because? Because it would be easier to adapt this technology to the iPad, since the requirements would be less stringent than for a mobile phone.

Days ago Elek indicated that Californians are moving forward with the development of a foldable iPad with an 8-inch screen as a replacement for the iPad mini. Although this will be Apple’s first device with a flexible screen, it was only recently launched. in 2026 or 2027. If this is confirmed, the foldable iPhone will still be a few years away.