Apple Has Sent Folding iPhones to Foxconn for Testing, According to Chinese Report

[spinedoc77]

If true I was hoping an Apple foldable phone would have brought me back from my current Fold 2 to them as I really like iOS much much more than Android. I don't think I would go for this if it has a visible hinge though, similar to the Duo I don't really find having 2 screens particularly useful, although I only speak for myself. I'll check back when Apple has a true foldable device, my guess is in 2-3 years.

 

[spinedoc77]

This is what happens when a market is mature, maybe a bit past mature, and you have to find gimmicks to keep people buying. It doesn’t matter if it’s Apple, Samsung, or any other vendor. Folding phones will likely find its place along with 3D TVs. A small bubble but quickly burst.

Folding your phone out to a tablet sized screen is now a "gimmick", lol. I get that the market is immature and there are caveats with current products, but to have that level of tunnel vision is fascinating to me. I predict the opposite, when the technology becomes more durable and cheaper it will quickly blow up just like full screened phones blew up 10 years ago. There will also be a lot more variety, we can already see a lot of this today with foldable screens from Samsung vs rollable screens from LG just to cite one example.

 

[rafark]

I think folding phones are one of those 'just because you can doesn't mean you should' types of technology.

You could’ve said the exact same thing about touchscreens. Good thing we still have companies innovating and exploring new ideas and concepts. How many time do people have to quote Henry Ford?

 

[HaywireTX]

Get ready for the iFold or iPhold or iPhad. LOL

 

[spinedoc77]

I remember when the iPad came out and people (including on this forum) went: "What do I need this for?"
The same people who cant put their tablet away at the dinner table today.

We will see the exact same with folding iPhones.

We see this with every paradigm change. "Who needs a computer in their house?" "Who needs a laptop when they have a computer in their house?" "Who needs a tablet when they have a laptop?" "Who needs a larger phone when they have a tablet?" This one in particular seems extra confusing: "Who needs a tablet sized screen that fits into your pocket?"

 

[DaveWotzit]

Technology for technology sake in an iPhone. But may be great as a foldable iPad or Mac screen?

 

[Apple_Robert]

Not interested in a folding phone at this point. The new mini works for me.

 

[nwcs]

Folding your phone out to a tablet sized screen is now a "gimmick", lol. I get that the market is immature and there are caveats with current products, but to have that level of tunnel vision is fascinating to me. I predict the opposite, when the technology becomes more durable and cheaper it will quickly blow up just like full screened phones blew up 10 years ago. There will also be a lot more variety, we can already see a lot of this today with foldable screens from Samsung vs rollable screens from LG just to cite one example.

Just like with AR there are always true believers to contrast with those who have been in technology long enough to be a bit cynical. Time will tell who made a better prediction on this. But people said many revolutionary things about 3dtv and the like.

 

[skitidetdu]

The watch unfolds to an iPad 🤪. The keynote would say”. “It’s a watch, a phone, a tablet. Are you getting it?”

 

[Abazigal]

People forget that the iPhone X already has a folding screen - you just can't see it because it's folded into the frame of the device.

And foldable devices already exist - they are called laptops.

I still don't think Apple will release a folding phone, mainly due to the compromises in weight and thickness, though the form factor makes sense for larger devices like a tablet that folds to become a laptop.

 

[zakarhino]

I feel like I'm having an aneurysm, I can't believe people actually think being able to carry an iPad size display in your pocket is a "fad" and pointless.

It's an iPhone... that folds out into an iPad... that fits in your pocket. How could you NOT want one of those!?

 

[andyx3x]

I feel like I'm having an aneurysm, I can't believe people actually think being able to carry an iPad size display in your pocket is a "fad" and pointless.

It's an iPhone... that folds out into an iPad... that fits in your pocket. How could you NOT want one of those!?

When it comes out there won't be one person who will not want it. Now whether they can afford it is another question. My guess is it will cost $1700 minimum...probably more like 2K.

 

[anson42]

BAWHAHAHHAHHAHAHA. Of course they are. Surprised most here aren’t camping out yet lol

I am, on the inside This is is a wait and see game. I would like something from Apple that is better than what Samsung offers on the Fold today that allows me to switch from a phone experience to a tablet experience anywhere and any time I want. To me, that's not unreasonable at all. Would we get that with Apple's first foldable? Maybe not, but I like the direction folding devices are going.

 

[UrbanJoe1]

An iPhone with a butt crack 🥺 Not too sure where this will lead 😕 I can’t envision a case that wouldn’t be cumbersome to use. We’ll see. Sometimes “just because” represents a small step of innovation that seems unnecessary at the time but ends up leading to bigger things that you can’t see... an innovative leap of faith so to speak. 🦘

 

[alexhardaker]

Oh god, why?! Stupid idea.

 

[polyphenol]

In general terms, double the screen size, double the power required to run it.

Put an iPad sized screen in an iPhone and see what that does to battery requirements/life.

I think it is easy to see that few would buy such a phone and only use the big screen few a few minutes a day. (Unless it was bought for bragging rights.) But running it for substantial periods will require substantially more power than an iPhone with a more conventional screen.

Maybe time for transreflective to return?

 

[ajfahey]

Market types that are pushing for folding displays aren't familiar with the endurance limit science of repeated reversing stresses through yield strength on materials.

 

[Neonblue]

Two screens simply stuck together really doesn’t appeal to me and doesn’t feel like innovation. A device like the Galaxy Fold running iOS however would have my attention.

 

[5232152]

Not interested in a folding phone at this point. The new mini works for me.

That's fair. Cutting edge technology isn't for everyone. Same reason why not everyone should get a Tesla eg.

 

[anson42]

Two screens simply stuck together really doesn’t appeal to me and doesn’t feel like innovation. A device like the Galaxy Fold running iOS however would have my attention.

I think the idea is two hinged glass screens that when open come together with no seam, instead of what the Fold has which is a single, continuous folding screen. If the end result is seamless, I'll take the more solid and potentially much more durable two screen version. If it is seamless, that is. Any noticeable visual gap means it isn't seamless and IMO would ruin the large screen experience, relegating it to just two screens side by side.. I'd be amazed if this approach is feasible with current screen tech.

 

[polyphenol]

In the run up to the launch of the 12 models, many were concerned at the physical attributes. Comparing the existing Samsung phone against a 12, we can see:

Samsung Fold 2

Dimension (HxWxD, mm)​

160.9 x 117.9 x 6.9​

Dimension when folded (HxWxD, mm)​

160.9 x 62.8 x 15.7-17.1​

Weight (g)​

276​

Apple iPhone 12 Pro

Dimension (HxWxD, mm)​

146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4​

Weight (g)​

187​

1) Fold is 14.2 mm taller.
2) 12 Pro is 8.7 mm wider.
3) Open, the Fold manages to be 0.5 mm thinner, but folded that changes to being 8.3 to 9.7 mm thicker - more than double.
4) Fold is 89 grams heavier.

To me, they make the Fold unattractive. Too tall for my pockets (the 12 Pro is just about as tall as I am comfortable with.)

The extra width of the 12 Pro allows for a slightly wider screen and still fits in my pockets.

The thickness of the Fold is a total killer. With a case, my 12 Pro is at the limit for my pockets. The Fold would be unbearable.

Many criticised the 12 Pro for being too heavy (being 25 grams more than the 12 - and even that being called out as too heavy by some). I find the 12 Pro acceptable but wouldn't want any more weight. The Fold is almost fifty percent heavier than the 12 Pro! 70% more than the 12.

Obviously any potential foldable iPhone could be a very different design, and would be exploiting all sorts of technological enhancements. But do we really expect sufficient changes in the next two years?

 

[ofarlig]

In the run up to the launch of the 12 models, many were concerned at the physical attributes. Comparing the existing Samsung phone against a 12, we can see:

Samsung Fold 2

Dimension (HxWxD, mm)​

160.9 x 117.9 x 6.9​

Dimension when folded (HxWxD, mm)​

160.9 x 62.8 x 15.7-17.1​

Weight (g)​

276​

Apple iPhone 12 Pro

Dimension (HxWxD, mm)​

146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4​

Weight (g)​

187​

1) Fold is 14.2 mm taller.
2) 12 Pro is 8.7 mm wider.
3) Open, the Fold manages to be 0.5 mm thinner, but folded that changes to being 8.3 to 9.7 mm thicker - more than double.
4) Fold is 89 grams heavier.

To me, they make the Fold unattractive. Too tall for my pockets (the 12 Pro is just about as tall as I am comfortable with.)

The extra width of the 12 Pro allows for a slightly wider screen and still fits in my pockets.

The thickness of the Fold is a total killer. With a case, my 12 Pro is at the limit for my pockets. The Fold would be unbearable.

Many criticised the 12 Pro for being too heavy (being 25 grams more than the 12 - and even that being called out as too heavy by some). I find the 12 Pro acceptable but wouldn't want any more weight. The Fold is almost fifty percent heavier than the 12 Pro! 70% more than the 12.

Obviously any potential foldable iPhone could be a very different design, and would be exploiting all sorts of technological enhancements. But do we really expect sufficient changes in the next two years?

IMO width is more annoying in the pocket than height (of course up to a certain point) although the 12 Pro really is a much smaller phone in general. Basically they are in two completely different size categories.

But if you compare a Fold 2 to a 12 Pro Max the Fold is much easier to fit in the pocket and I do think it is the larger phone segment that will be targeted first.

Then again I don't use cases so I am not adding any extra bulk to the devices and adding that might shift it.

 

[polyphenol]

IMO width is more annoying in the pocket than height

Absolutely your view is at least as valid as mine! - We are all different.

The 12 Pro Max is 226 grams - so the Fold 2 is 50 grams heavier even than that.

 

[Koh Phi Phi]

I am typing this from my Samsung Fold 2.

Until you incorporate a foldable device into your lifestyle, you cannot possibly imagine how useful it is to unfold, at any time, your phone into a tablet. It is a productivity BEAST.

Best gadget I have ever had, no matter the brand, period. Kudos to Apple for stepping out of their area of comfort and embracing the future (alas a bit late).

 

[ofarlig]

Absolutely your view is at least as valid as mine! - We are all different.

The 12 Pro Max is 226 grams - so the Fold 2 is 50 grams heavier even than that.

I just wanted to point out that comparing the Fold to the 12 Pro is really comparing 2 completely different size categories. So it is given that the Fold will be massive and cumbersome in comparison.

Yeah the weight is higher but the screen is bigger, and the Fold fits comfortably in my pocket while the 12 Pro Max doesn't.

I have always been a smaller phone person and had a tablet on the side but it did become cumbersome to bring the tablet with me if I thought I might need it. So I was contemplating the 12 Pro Max and ditching the tablet but the screen wasn't really big enough and it was less "pocketable" for me.