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Apple has started "early work" on an iPhone that has a foldable display, according to a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Though testing of a foldable iPhone has begun, Apple has not committed to releasing a device that has a foldable display.

foldable-iPhone-concept-feature.jpg

Development has not yet expanded beyond a display and Apple does not have full foldable iPhone prototypes in its labs. Like foldable smartphones from other companies, a foldable iPhone would allow for Apple to create a larger display in a package that is still pocketable.

Apple has discussed several foldable screen sizes, including one that unfolds to a size similar to the 6.7-inch display on the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Apple's designs are said to have a "mostly invisible hinge" with electronics located behind the display rather than two panels separated by a visible hinge.

Bloomberg suggests that a foldable iPhone is likely "years away" or "ultimately may never be introduced," with Apple mostly focusing on the updates to its flagship iPhones and iPads that are coming in 2021.

The iPhone 13 models planned for this year are not expected to feature major design changes, as the 2020 iPhone models marked a significant technology and design overhaul. Apple engineers are said to consider the 2021 iPhones as an "S" version of the 2020 models. Apple has in the past used the "S" nomenclature in years where iPhone models featured more minor updates.

Though design changes are expected to be minor, Apple is testing an in-screen Touch ID fingerprint reader that would mark a major change to the biometric systems that Apple has used for flagship devices since the launch of the iPhone X.

iPhone-12-TouchID-Feature-Img-1.jpg

The fingerprint sensor would be made available in addition to Face ID, and would be convenient for iPhone users who cannot unlock their iPhones with facial recognition when using masks.

Apple has also considered removing the charging port for some iPhone models in favor of wireless charging, and that appears to be something that's still on the table for the 2021 iPhones at this time.

Bloomberg's report today also confirms that AirTags are expected to see a 2021 launch and it reiterates iPad Pro rumors that suggest Apple is working on an updated version with a mini-LED display and a faster processor.

Article Link: Apple Testing In-Display Fingerprint Sensor for iPhone 13, Foldable iPhone Also in the Works
 

swm

macrumors 6502a
May 29, 2013
509
841
please, bloomberg, you predicted so many exciting things today, don't do this.
if the return of MagSafe is as credible as this gimmick...
 

mashdots

macrumors 6502
Dec 10, 2015
318
905
seattle-ish
In-display fingerprint would be cool. Folding? not so much.

What makes way more sense to me is improving FaceID tech (I am fine with the notch, but it'd be gravy to make it smaller) and then putting TouchID into the power button like they did with the iPad Air.

I also plug in my iPhone occasionally for syncing higher-fidelity music as well as for carplay in my older car. While they probably are on track to remove cables altogether, I hope they don't.
 

Harthag

macrumors 68000
Jun 20, 2009
1,786
2,141
U.S.
Yes to TouchID. No to wireless only.
Wireless only will cause me to give up iPhone. What about CarPlay? I'm not buying a new car just for wireless CarPlay. Also not willing to pay $200 for Apple's inevitable "magical" CarPlay adapter. I still like doing full restores using my PC / iTunes. Removing the charging port is just too far.
 

jz0309

Contributor
Sep 25, 2018
9,936
25,880
SoCal
removing the port to charge the iPhone would be a bad move ...
TouchID in addition to FaceID is ok, I had maybe a 50% success rate with Touchid so don't miss it
AirTags rumored again to launch this year?
but where is your prediction for AppleTV Mr Gurman?
 
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