For years, rumors about Apple developing a foldable MacBook, iPad or iPhone have been circulating, but no commercial products have been released.
Apple continues to sell millions of traditional iPhones, while Samsung has repeatedly criticized Apple for not entering the foldable smartphone market.
Samsung hopes that Apple will enter the field, not only to benefit from the OLED screen supply contract but also to promote the popularity of this design.
Apple needs an answer to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold.
Apple needs an answer to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold.
While Samsung is currently the leader in the smartphone segment, its sales are still a fraction of iPhone sales.
It's unclear when Apple will launch its first foldable iPhone , but it's likely we'll see a foldable iPad or MacBook before that happens.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently reported that Apple is expected to develop a wall-mounted smart display for the home next year.
The device will support multiple apps, make video calls, and integrate Apple Intelligence features, leading some to speculate that the device could be seen as a variant of the iPad.
However, many also believe that this could be a stepping stone to the foldable iPhone and iPad that Apple is working on.
Apple's upcoming smart product will give a glimpse of the foldable iPhone.
Apple's upcoming smart product will give a glimpse of the foldable iPhone.
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Gurman describes the device as being about the size of two iPhones placed side by side, with a 6-inch display, speakers, a FaceTime camera, and a battery.
This makes it look like a foldable iPhone to many.
Foldable devices like the Galaxy Z Fold typically look like two traditional iPhones put together.
Gurman also said Apple will develop a user interface that fits this screen size, focusing on apps like Siri, communication and home control, as well as some other Apple apps.
The device will be primarily voice-controlled through the new App Intents feature.
Dual-screen smartphone Microsoft Surface Duo 2.
Microsoft Surface Duo 2 dual-screen smartphone.
Apple will face the same challenges that other foldable phone makers have faced, like optimizing screen real estate and running multiple apps at once. While the device doesn’t need to be as productive as the Galaxy Z Fold, the software developed for the 6-inch smart display could be applied to a future foldable iPhone.
Ultimately, the device will be about the size of a smaller iPad. Many are waiting to see if Apple can fold this screen to create a foldable iPhone experience. According to calculations, a foldable iPhone could have a larger 6-inch screen with a bezel-less design, similar to the current Galaxy Fold models.
