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Foldable iPhone Development Progressing Ahead of 2026 Launch
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100% agree. Those of the opinion it I “just a larger screen iPhone” when opened, that’s what an iPad is… an iPhone with a larger screen. As it is Apple, and they have iPadOS, it is clearly going to have some iPad-type split screen multitasking.
As others have said, I can see this replacing my M4 iPad Pro. Can’t wait.
How will it replace an 11"+ device for you?
The screen area difference is still going to be massive.
Shouldn't the cannibalization more likely be of iPad Mini users?
I personally don’t understand the purpose of this type of phone. A phone with a small, odd ratio screen on the outside, that you have to open up to get the screen that is normally there straight out the pocket 🤷♂️
The exterior screens are used to great effect for quick interactions and media controls while providing a folded up size that's smaller than the smallest "normal" iPhones are now.
I spent a little time with a friends RAZR and was really surprised how much one can get done on the exterior screen.
Apple could make a really compelling entry here I think.
For me, as an iPhone Mini user, I want the smallest and lightest package possible, even if that means folded.
This really becomes a thing in the Summer on my walks. It's hot out and I'm in shorts, and a lot of my shorts have pockets where even the iPhone Mini hangs out a touch. It's also heavier than I'd like.
Yeah I was once interested in the Google Fold and while the form factor was actually the best amongst all foldable phones in my opinion I was waiting for the Fold 2 because software support was already down to 3 years or so and I wasn't interested in paying over a grand for a phone I can't install the latest software on mere 3 years down the road. Then the Fold 2 had a worse form factor (display ratio) and mediocre performance that it countered by using a lower ppi inner display so the undersized chip had less pixels to deal with. Good luck selling that.
And I'd also like to get Applecare in case that inner screen breaks. With my luck all it needs is me looking at it wrong and it's gonna shatter. At least with Apple I can get that extra service. If a Samsung Flip/Folds self destructs there's a good chance I'll have to buy myself a new phone.
That’s a fair observation.
I had an iPad mini which was an ideal size for what I needed, but the jelly scroll and screen was horrible, so I bought the pro.
I may miss the larger screen to a degree, but always having my iPhone and iPad in my pocket will far outweigh the loss of screen size. I use the iPad for minor work related tasks like emailing or sending quotes. If I can have our job management app split screened with my email or Safari in a device that is always in my pocket, it will be a game changer for me.
So - loss in screen size, but when I’m doing something on my phone and need multiple apps, I lose the “where is my iPad” scenario, at which point sometimes I might as well grab my MacBook or AVP, and just open the fold up. Also, if I am out of the office and don’t have my other devices, I will, because I’ll have an iPad in my pocket.
Apple - release it already!
Yep!
I don't really know how folks enjoy using the Mini 6/7.
The jelly is so distracting to me.
But bulkier? The book style folds seem to be slimming down to a point where they are a similar thickness to the phones whew used to, I imagine the flip types can’t as they don’t have enough room for a decent sized battery.
For me, the only “benefit”—and I use quotes because I don’t personally find the Pro Max size an issue—is the reduced height. But they’re bulkier. The fold-style gains a larger screen, presumably with split-screen multitasking, essentially making it an iPad… which, in my opinion, is a much better application of folding phones.
I got to the point where I actively avoided it, I can’t believe Apple released it! I should’ve returned it, but hoped I would get used to it. I remember buying it (6th gen) as a stop gap for the rumoured fold, the first time I’d bought a cellular model. I never though it would take this long and counting for them to release it, but here we are 😄
I know some don't like to hear this, but I maintain that the Mini 6/7 screens are the worst quality screen experience that Apple sells right now (and for the past few years).
Even more than just the Jelly ... I spent a whole bunch of time one day at a Best Buy comparing the Mini screen side by side with all the other Apple devices and it just looked the worst of all of them.
It just seems like a lower quality "value" screen they chose to hit price points and/or maintain or grow margins or something.
It's really unfortunate.
If there's ever an OLED Mini, even if not with ProMotion, I'll be ALL OVER IT.
I’d have agreed…. But now I want an iPhone fold!
The screen really is horrible in every way. Although I haven’t tried the 7th gen in fairness.
I don't really want either..what I want is a physically smaller and lighter phone, and I don't need more screen. My 16 Pro is already on the edge, weight wise, of what I consider acceptable.
Took the words out of my mouth.
I just want a smaller phone than anything they currently sell.
Well you know me... and I am one of those that dont go looking for problems types, annoying I know. Never ever have had 'jelly' distract me, and there are plenty of us. If I do stupid scrolling things at a fast pace, sometimes I can convince myself I see it. But I am not talented enough to read while scrolling fast
. I love my Mini 7 (and the 6 before it)
So it's a product for people who can afford to throw away an expensive phone every six months.
EVERY foldable I've seen in the wild has had an ugly crease and the beginning of screen failure. That includes ones that were only weeks old.
EVERY foldable I've ever had the displeasure to touch has had a screen that almost made my skin crawl to use it.
Don't get me wrong, plastic is a great material for many things. It's a FAR better choice than glass for the back of a phone, for example. But it's a TERRIBLE touchscreen material. And glass does not fold.
Do Not Want.
Many foldables actually use ultra-thin glass now which does bend.
No, they don't. Corning has a bendable glass now. It can't handle folding.
Foldable Glass | Ultra-thin Bendable Glass Technology | Corning
Corning is developing an ultra-thin, durable and optically advantaged foldable glass solution for the inside cover of a continuous display.
It's just not there yet, the screens are plastic. With a statement like "The current plastic-based solutions have fundamental challenges around optics, scratch and warp. We believe glass will be a key component of the ultimate cover solution. That said, we also know today’s glass solutions still need to be improved." they admit they can't do it yet.
And Corning is THE glass innovation company. When they can't do it, chance are nobody can do it. I don't think they'll get glass to the point of folding to a crease and recovering from it.
The Galaxy Z-Flip was the first Samsung foldable with a glass screen, most of them use a plastic screen protector on top of the glass.No, they don't. Corning has a bendable glass now. It can't handle folding.
Foldable Glass | Ultra-thin Bendable Glass Technology | Corning
Corning is developing an ultra-thin, durable and optically advantaged foldable glass solution for the inside cover of a continuous display.www.corning.com
It's just not there yet, the screens are plastic. With a statement like "The current plastic-based solutions have fundamental challenges around optics, scratch and warp. We believe glass will be a key component of the ultimate cover solution. That said, we also know today’s glass solutions still need to be improved." they admit they can't do it yet.
And Corning is THE glass innovation company. When they can't do it, chance are nobody can do it. I don't think they'll get glass to the point of folding to a crease and recovering from it.
I would be interested in a foldable iphone but I'm going to need an upgrade from my 14 pro sooner than later. The limitations of the lightning port are finally too much for me.
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How about making regular iPhones that look like the 16e.
Make 3 sizes (Mini, Normal, Max) .. and then do whatever the heck you feel like with the Pro line Apple.
Folds, Flips, Flaps and Zaps
Patio Pavers, IMAX phones, Chris Nolan recorders, macOS in your pocket.. you name it ...
Go wild with the Pro.
Can you just please make Small/Medium/Large "normal iPhones" for the rest of us?
Make 3 sizes (Mini, Normal, Max) .. and then do whatever the heck you feel like with the Pro line Apple.
Folds, Flips, Flaps and Zaps
Patio Pavers, IMAX phones, Chris Nolan recorders, macOS in your pocket.. you name it ...
Go wild with the Pro.
Can you just please make Small/Medium/Large "normal iPhones" for the rest of us?
I can't wait till it's released so that I can bemoan the fact I can't afford it.