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Bank of America Analyst Says Apple Plans to Launch Foldable iPhone in 2020
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The issue I see is that to make a foldable screen, you either have to forgo the use of a glass screen altogether, or create a plastic covered hinge section where the fold can happen. And regardless of whether it's all plastic or just a plastic covered hinge section, that area of the hinge is going to subject to potential clouding and wear due to the folding and unfolding. I don't think there is any plastic that has been developed that can take that kind of abuse without degradation.
Yes, phones are moving rapidly towards hubs for other devices, CarPlay, Apple Watch, Network Hubs, Siri, etc. I have noticed that my use of the phone screen time declining as the above mentioned devices become more relivent. Then there is the time when one needs the phone to be like a tablet, larger screen features. Would it not be nice to have the Plus size phone 1/2 the size when working as a hub, then open up to full size for screen applications. The phone will get thicker when folded, depending on how Apple can manage the size problem may just be the deciding factor if this is a valid option. Conceptually a foldable device attractive, as was the flip phone. Really liked my old flip phone. Plus built in screen protector!
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Or people with engineering experience who see how ridiculous this is:
- Making a folded device feel rigid/solid when it's unfolded.
- Making a screen that can be folded thousands of times and not have a visible crease/line at the fold.
- Making a screen that has the exact same response to touch over the entire screen (no change where it folds).
- Making a foldable device that can somehow keep out dust/moisture at the hinge.
- Making a flexible screen that has the same characteristics as a laminated display.
The one I see the most problem with is #2. I just don't believe such a device can be made where you won't be able to see where it folds. And I don't think consumers are going to pay flagship prices for a device with an obvious "crease" right smack in the middle of your display and all your content you want to view.
It’s interesting technology and we know Samsung has been allegedly experimenting with that. But I do not see Apple ever going to a bendable phone. It just doesn’t seem like that would be something they would consider. I expect by 2020 Apple will incorporate Micro LED into their iPhone displays, which will be a huge step forward.
I would think Apple would develop this technology for some kind of new product where folding made sense, although it's hard for me to imagine that. Like a display built into something else that extended out or something.
Or, like an iPad where the lower half became a keyboard while the upper half became a display as it folded into a laptop config. (although that sounds terrible to me)
Or, like an iPad where the lower half became a keyboard while the upper half became a display as it folded into a laptop config. (although that sounds terrible to me)
So if the screen is on the outside... then the screen is always exposed. No more cases. Thus no laying your phone on the table without fear of scratches.
ZTE tried this. Granted they're using two separate screens. But the issues are the same.
However... if there was a normal-sized screen on the outside... and another bigger foldable screen on the inside... that might make some sense.
But the last time I checked... glass doesn't bend.
So the inside screen would have a crappy plasticky covering? That doesn't sound good either.
I forget... what problem are we trying to solve with this?
oh, samsung hasnt even announced a date for their foldable phone (its not coming in 2018 it seems), and apple already copies them... is that how it works? ;D
samsung has already announced one for quite some time, and they had a foldable phone prototype in 2011.
The water glass perspective, half full or half empty. Apple does a good job of focusing on the glass being half full.
I can't believe this will happen in the next 10 years, let alone 2. If it does, however, I will have it. An iPhone X sized device that folds out into an iPad Mini-sized tablet? Take my money-I have no regard for cost-make it a limited run, $2,000 iPhone for all I care
Please tell me why they'd do it with the iPhone? If anything will be foldable, it will be another product. Why do we want a foldable iPhone?
Not sure if I am even interested in a folding phone. Samsung will probably beat Apple to it. They have been rumored to come out with one for a few years now. Apple will wait and see what the Samsung pros and cons are and then improve it.