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Apple Stockpiling Parts for Foldable iPhone Ahead of 2026 Launch

I had the ZFold 6 and didn't like it as it's inner screen was weird and incredibly glossy.
Maybe the Apple version will be better, but then you pay this huge amount.

You need aggressive anti-reflection with a phone, for obvious reasons.
 
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If the inner and outer screens have the same height and the rumoured dimensions are correct then that would mean a roughly 3.2" x 4.5" outer screen and 6.4" x 4.5" inner screen.

This would give the phone a very different aspect ratio to other iPhones, even when closed: shorter than an iPhone mini but wider than a Pro Max. It would also mean that the inner display would be landscape rather than portrait as used by the Galaxy Fold.

That's assuming that the screens have the same height and the inner screen has twice the width, which are big assumptions. It would be interesting though. As a developer I was expecting to make changes to my app to allow for the inner screen, but maybe I will also need to make changes for the outer screen.
 
Cannot wait until the ifold is released. It will be my dream come true, the most portable hybrid iphone and ipad. 🤩😍🥰♥️♥️♥️
 
Not interested in a foldable at this point. Did have a Samsung for a week (work trial) and just didn't see the value. Android apps handle window size changes better than iPad OS did until just recently, so the app scaling was great in Android, I just didn't like the screen ratio, watching videos leaves you with some nice large black bars, and hardly any more screen space than a Samsung Ultra in these situations.

I am hoping that Apple's version bucks the trend of crippled camera offerings and does something on par with the regular Pro phones.

I understand it is a heavy lift, but if they intend to charge Apple tax, hopefully it has something that helps justify whatever they market it for.
 
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840quadra said:
Not interested in a foldable at this point. Did have a Samsung for a week (work trial) and just didn't see the value. Android apps handle window size changes better than iPad OS did until just recently, so the app scaling was great in Android, I just didn't like the screen ratio, watching videos leaves you with some nice large black bars, and hardly any more screen space than a Samsung Ultra in these situations.

I am hoping that Apple's version bucks the trend of crippled camera offerings and does something on par with the regular Pro phones.

I understand it is a heavy lift, but if they intend to charge Apple tax, hopefully it has something that helps justify whatever they market it for.
Click to expand...
I think Apple can do better than Samsung does.
 
Behold, the iFlop. Because for obvious reasons, Fold and Flip are trademarks of Samsung Corporation /j

I can’t believe Apple is now catching up with others. Everyone who wanted “book-phone” had already got Samsung or Pixel or whatever else exists. What’s so new Apple will add to the game, iOS? Weird and boring
 
hybrid_x said:
Apple isn't making a 180° fold. They're going to use a bending screen to create a bendable tablet. The iPad mini would be the first of that type. Instead of folding 180° to a "closed" position, its default form will be as a tablet, but when you want to use it on a flat surface to type, you'd bend the screen to a 90° maximum and a keyboard would appear.
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The dimensions of the outer screen have leaked from multiple sources. An outer screen doesn’t make sense with your concept.
 
MacRumors said:


Apple is building up inventory for its first foldable iPhone in preparation for the device's launch next year, claims a Chinese leaker with proven sources within Apple's supply chain.

Apple-Foldable-Thumb.jpg

According to Weibo-based account Fixed Focus Digital, Apple is now stockpiling key components for its long-rumored foldable iPhone, which we are tentatively referring to as "iPhone Fold." The leaker did not elaborate, but Apple is likely securing supplies of advanced parts including foldable OLED displays, titanium frames, and complex hinge assemblies that reportedly combine several materials.

The move suggests Apple is entering the crucial pre-production phase, where suppliers begin ramping output ahead of full mass production. Some of these components may have long lead times and high failure rates, so early stock-building helps reduce risk and smooth the eventual launch pipeline.

Apple's foldable iPhone is reportedly similar in style to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold, which uses a book-style folding mechanism, rather than the clamshell design of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip.

When folded, users will interact with a 5.5-inch outer display that is similar to a typical iPhone screen, while unfolding it will reveal a larger 7.8-inch iPad-style screen. The inner display is said to be virtually crease-free, with some sources claiming it features an under-screen camera. The outer screen is said to have a punch-hole camera, while authentication is handled by Touch ID integrated into the side button, rather than Face ID. There's also a dual-lens camera on the rear.

According to analyst Jeff Pu, the frame is made from a mix of titanium and aluminum. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also said Apple is using multiple materials, but he believes the main ones are titanium and stainless steel. Kuo also believes some hinge components will be made from Liquidmetal for further durability.

The foldable ‌iPhone‌ is rumored to be as thin as 4.5mm when opened up, which would make it even thinner than the ‌iPhone Air, so titanium is likely being used to prevent bending issues‌. With display and mechanical engineering challenges unlike any current iPhone, Apple's logistical groundwork hints that its first foldable device may finally be nearing reality. The ‌iPhone Fold‌ is expected to be part of the iPhone 18 lineup, launching in September 2026.

Article Link: Apple Stockpiling Parts for Foldable iPhone Ahead of 2026 Launch
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I wonder if Apple will be able to come up with something close to as good as the Oppo N5.
 
Good luck, Apple engineers. The guys in Mountain View and Seoul haven't figured out how to make a great one yet, but here's hoping you surprise us.

But I'm not holding my breath.
 
naturalstar said:
A Flip would be kinda cool. I have fond memories of my original black Motorola Razor. Only question would be battery size and therefore life. I wouldn’t want a bulky square sandwich to compensate.
Click to expand...

I"m not actually interesting in buying a new phone of any type, for a few years anyway. Just thinking about a foldable in theory...I want a phone that is smaller in the pocket and have no use for a larger screen when out and about, so a flip would be nice.

clunkmess said:
What about those of us who have no interest in foldables? Will we eventually be left behind in the future, similar to how iPhone Mini users were swept under the rug and forgotten?
Click to expand...

I think the slab will always be available, at least in the standard and lower-end models.
 
cfc said:
If the inner and outer screens have the same height and the rumoured dimensions are correct then that would mean a roughly 3.2" x 4.5" outer screen and 6.4" x 4.5" inner screen.

This would give the phone a very different aspect ratio to other iPhones, even when closed: shorter than an iPhone mini but wider than a Pro Max. It would also mean that the inner display would be landscape rather than portrait as used by the Galaxy Fold.

That's assuming that the screens have the same height and the inner screen has twice the width, which are big assumptions. It would be interesting though. As a developer I was expecting to make changes to my app to allow for the inner screen, but maybe I will also need to make changes for the outer screen.
Click to expand...
You might be interested in this thread: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/rumoured-iphone-fold-size-concept-drawing-and-renders.2456447/
 
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clunkmess said:
What about those of us who have no interest in foldables? Will we eventually be left behind in the future, similar to how iPhone Mini users were swept under the rug and forgotten?
Click to expand...

The mini enjoyers are able and willing to stand in solidarity with slab-style phone prefer-ers. Just like we intend to welcome iPhone Air fans if/when that thing gets canned.
 
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