I really want a foldable, but not at those prices. I can't justify the expense and the device doesn't really replace multiple devices (for me) in the same way the iPhone did.
Maybe in 10 years.
Maybe in 10 years.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Foldable iPhone Like 'Two Titanium iPhone Airs' Joined at the Hinge
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Foldables really are unwieldy and awful to use. I’ve never understood the appeal, especially when you add in the plastic screen (that feels horrible) and the atrocious crease. I’m still glad Apple is going to release one for those who want it and to stay competitive, and I trust that they’ll do at least as good a job of it as Samsung and Oppo.
When the Air was rumoured my immediate assumption was that it was a result of their work on a foldable and a way ton recover some of their R&D costs incurred so far.
Apple haven't been concerned about a 'thin' iPhone for a while, but one of the biggest issues with early foldable phones is how thick they are when folded. The iPhone Air is almost certainly part of their work squeezing the hardware into a format that won't be unwieldy when doubled up.
Apple haven't been concerned about a 'thin' iPhone for a while, but one of the biggest issues with early foldable phones is how thick they are when folded. The iPhone Air is almost certainly part of their work squeezing the hardware into a format that won't be unwieldy when doubled up.
Less movable parts means less things getting broken by wear and tear.
Of course, the Apple Faithful with disposable income just buy a new phone every year, so they don't care about device longevity.
But for the rest of Apple's customers, a phone that works without problems for 7-8 years might be considered preferable to any gimmick.
This reeks of Apple just trying to appease their billionaire shareholders with claims of "We haven't stopped innovating! Look here, growth!". Hence all the controlled leaks.
Hmm. So Gurman's saying what everyone has said after seeing the iPhone Air. He's probably not wrong, but it's hardly exclusive insider info.
I'm definitely intrigued by the form factor. But as others already mentioned here, it will likely be extremely expensive in the beginning. My guess is north of 2000 USD. Personally I would prefer to own a regular smartphone plus an iPad at this price.
Now, that thickness could be the game-changer. A screen on the front outside face, camera on the back, and openable to reveal a double size screen. That would be useable as a phone, and as a pad, albeit a slightly smaller one. That could actually work for me. Maybe. How is reliability on current foldable? Does that screen/crease thing hold up to lots and LOTS of uses?
I think wearables are going to kill the big iPhone, foldable or not. If you consider the big leap of the last Meta glasses in just ten months since that orthopedic beginning, who will not jump on for the next generation? I would love Apple to take seriously the customer needs, not just profit. If for foldable, they understand selling me two iPhones Air instead of something that fits on my blazer pocket and doesn't seem like I'm packing.
I was on a plane yesterday, and the person next to me was watching a movie on a folding phone. The square-ish display meant that the video playback wasn’t noticeably bigger than it would have been on my Pro Max.
Personally I don’t really see the benefit from a ‘book fold’ design. A ‘Z-fold’ makes much more practical sense when open, though of course it would be thicker when folded.
Personally I don’t really see the benefit from a ‘book fold’ design. A ‘Z-fold’ makes much more practical sense when open, though of course it would be thicker when folded.
The two connected Airs isn't really a surprise. By the time it is released, the only mystery surrounding it will be the price. They'll have to start it at 2K or less for it to gain reasonable traction, IMO.
It's an abomination. Truly hideous. A sad day for design if this gets released.
As suggested by some people, it might be a combo of an iPhone (outside screen) and an iPad mini (inside screen) with a mix of iOS and iPadOS. Maybe iFoldOS ?
I’m thinking this will be presented as, essentially, an iPad in your pocket. Much like the original iPhone price announcement when they were like “oh, people spend 300 on a smartphone and 200 on an iPod … 500 sounds reasonable.” 2000 will be the sum of a phone and an iPad in the pitch. So, call it a folding iPad if you want. A phone that expands to a tablet, or a tablet that shrinks to a phone.
Good example of Apple being a follower and not a leader. When they finally introduce this in a keynote video they will talk about foldable as if it's a brand new concept.
Yes, however that battery or batteries will also have to support three ProMotion screens instead of the current one.
The rumoured dual camera setup is welcome news, of course, and I guess there will be a second speaker too. Loosing FaceID, however, will be a pity, IMO.