Other iPhone foldable is the most clear Apple downfall yet.

[The-Real-Deal82]

I can't say there's ever been a time where I've been on the move and wished my iPhone folded out into an iPad tbh. It'll satisfy a niche and its good that they are exploring it. My fear is Apple will assume the folding iPhone is the new flagship with all the best features, when in fact theres a market for non-folding at the higher end too as proven.

 

[Bkdodger]

Oh Jamie...

Go to the 8:00 minute mark and prepare for your mouth to hit the floor.

Thinnest foldable in the world and durable as ever!

Apple waited for the right time to release their foldable...they are now durable and will soon have crease free screens next year. Damn good timing by them.

It definitely handled really well and I agree that crease will be gone by next year as you can barely feel it on this one.

 

[blairh]

I have to say if Apple actually releases a foldable iPhone, it will be the most clear sign that the company has abandoned a lot of Steve Jobs principles that got it to where it is. Foldable phones go 100% against Apple philosophy. It's the next netbook. It's a stupid gimmick that compromises design principles of durability, aesthetic and to add what? Few inches of plastic screen.
This will be the biggest sign on the wall "I'm Tim Cook, I don't know what else to create, so I've do another Newton". Apple Vision was the first product they made that while nowhere near as bad as a foldable phone, was the first device that didn't have a proper use case. And released 8 years too early. Because....investors, stock, we need to innovate? Yeah, probably. There was a lot internal resistance at Apple before the release. For a good reason. It made no sense. As a concept in the future, Apple Vision may make sense. (watch didn't have a killer app - yes, but they have pulled it off eventually, difference is tech to build a good product was there).

But foldable phone...Steve Jobs said many times "we don't ship junk". It's junk. Do you remember how nuts Steve went before original iPhone release when he scratched a prototype plastic screen? He made Corning go nuclear to retool the factory to have a glass screen before 2007. And they will ship plastic ******** for 2+ grand...?

Just genuinely sad to see company giving up on what it stood for. Slowly, gradually.

The folding iPhone is the natural evolution of the category. It will be the most important hardware upgrade since the debut of the iPhone.

 

[Bungaree.Chubbins]

The folding iPhone is the natural evolution of the category. It will be the most important hardware upgrade since the debut of the iPhone.

I disagree. The folding iPhone will fill a niche at the expensive end of the product lineup. They might become moderately popular for a while, but I'm confident they won't become mainstream.

 

[GioGiusi]

Based on the current reliable rumors for this product:

- The phone is a short, fat phone. A size and aspect ratio that has never been done before on iPhone in 18 years, because no one would ever want one. This isn't a choice, it's a trade off.
- The unfolded device is almost the size of the worst iPad. The iPad mini, that sells poorly, has languished many times over its life, and has reportedly been close to being discontinued multiple times before being resurrected by economies of scale. It is not the ideal size, nor the average size, for a truly useful tablet. It's size is a compromise by design, for certain size-constrained use cases. Again, another trade off.
- It is rumored to cost $2,000 USD. For that, you can buy a better iPhone AND a better iPad, AND an Apple Watch, and have some money left over toward some AirPods.

Where in that is the upside? What is the positive part, that you accept all of those tradeoffs for?

There isn't one. The device is all compromise, all tradeoff, no payoff. Being able to unfold your pocket device into something larger is not automatically or inherently useful, when it consists of the above.

This a device designed for suckers with more money than brains, much like Vision Pro. But at least Vision Pro has visionOS to boast as a (potentially) worthwhile reward for all of its massive tradeoffs.

 

[Ctrlos]

- The unfolded device is almost the size of the worst iPad. The iPad mini

Really? I reckon the Mini is the best iPad because it’s the only one not pretending to be something it’s not.

 

[GioGiusi]

Really? I reckon the Mini is the best iPad because it’s the only one not pretending to be something it’s not.

The mini is the worst iPad, and its entire history indicates so. It sells the worst of all the iPads, has languished multiple times in its life with rumors of being discontinued. But most importantly, it is too small to be used as a tablet. Devices need to hit certain sizes in order to have specific utility, and a tablet needs to be around 10" or larger before it can be used as a tablet. Smaller than that and its just an awkward, oversized phone.

 

[Bungaree.Chubbins]

Really? I reckon the Mini is the best iPad because it’s the only one not pretending to be something it’s not.

That may be the case, but nonetheless it is too small to be useful. I had one because I like the concept, but I ended up replacing it as soon as I could because it was only useful in very specific circumstances. The way my life has gone, I’m even further away from those circumstances than ever, and I’m looking forward to a 13” iPad.

I still have a soft spot for the iPad mini, it’s a really nice device! But aside from using it in bed for web browsing or games, it does nothing a larger iPad can do better. And what it does do is capably handled by my iPhone.

I guess this is all part of why I can’t see the utility of a folding phone for myself. Even unfolded, it barely offers any improvement in utility over a non-folding phone. It’s not worth the expense and the compromises to have a slightly larger screen for web browsing in bed.

 

[Anonymous Freak]

I have to say if Apple actually releases a foldable iPhone, it will be the most clear sign that the company has abandoned a lot of Steve Jobs principles that got it to where it is. Foldable phones go 100% against Apple philosophy. It's the next netbook. It's a stupid gimmick that compromises design principles of durability, aesthetic and to add what? Few inches of plastic screen.
This will be the biggest sign on the wall "I'm Tim Cook, I don't know what else to create, so I've do another Newton". Apple Vision was the first product they made that while nowhere near as bad as a foldable phone, was the first device that didn't have a proper use case. And released 8 years too early. Because....investors, stock, we need to innovate? Yeah, probably. There was a lot internal resistance at Apple before the release. For a good reason. It made no sense. As a concept in the future, Apple Vision may make sense. (watch didn't have a killer app - yes, but they have pulled it off eventually, difference is tech to build a good product was there).

But foldable phone...Steve Jobs said many times "we don't ship junk". It's junk. Do you remember how nuts Steve went before original iPhone release when he scratched a prototype plastic screen? He made Corning go nuclear to retool the factory to have a glass screen before 2007. And they will ship plastic ******** for 2+ grand...?

Just genuinely sad to see company giving up on what it stood for. Slowly, gradually.

Jobs has been dead for over a decade. It's Cook's show. Cook has now been CEO longer than Jobs was.

Also, you're ranting about something that isn't even a sure thing yet. With no details about what it would be if it happens. I would be willing to place actual money on Apple not releasing a foldable until they can do a screen that is durable.

 

[Ctrlos]

That may be the case, but nonetheless it is too small to be useful. I had one because I like the concept, but I ended up replacing it as soon as I could because it was only useful in very specific circumstances. The way my life has gone, I’m even further away from those circumstances than ever, and I’m looking forward to a 13” iPad.

I still have a soft spot for the iPad mini, it’s a really nice device! But aside from using it in bed for web browsing or games, it does nothing a larger iPad can do better. And what it does do is capably handled by my iPhone.

I guess this is all part of why I can’t see the utility of a folding phone for myself. Even unfolded, it barely offers any improvement in utility over a non-folding phone. It’s not worth the expense and the compromises to have a slightly larger screen for web browsing in bed.

Mine gets all sorts of use. It's the perfect size for reading novels and magazines on. It makes a great small stereo around the house and at hotels. It takes up almost zero space in luggage so is perfect for watching some movies on a flight or outputting to a larger display. I find web browsing better than a phone due to the larger display and I can even write comfortably on it using two thumbs in portrait. Its the only computer I'd ever comfortably carry in a satchel, my back not being what it once was.

Thanks to iOS strong software lineup it's also a great games console. On the touchscreen it's great for Balatro or Slay the Spire but plugged into hotel TV it makes for a surrogate Xbox. I regularly play Hades, Stardew Valley and emulators off of mine on a TV.

Yes a bigger model does more, but I find the tablet experience lessens the larger you go.

 

[Momof2.1107]

Mine gets all sorts of use. It's the perfect size for reading novels and magazines on. It makes a great small stereo around the house and at hotels. It takes up almost zero space in luggage so is perfect for watching some movies on a flight or outputting to a larger display. I find web browsing better than a phone due to the larger display and I can even write comfortably on it using two thumbs in portrait. Its the only computer I'd ever comfortably carry in a satchel, my back not being what it once was.

Thanks to iOS strong software lineup it's also a great games console. On the touchscreen it's great for Balatro or Slay the Spire but plugged into hotel TV it makes for a surrogate Xbox. I regularly play Hades, Stardew Valley and emulators off of mine on a TV.

Yes a bigger model does more, but I find the tablet experience lessens the larger you go.

Yes a lot of people sleep on the iPad Mini, but I love mine. If it wasn’t for the fact that I’m trying to run my 15PM battery down to 79%, I would be using my iPad Mini 7 much more these days. I read my Kindle books and browse social media on it some easily. It was the perfect size for our road trip when we went on vacation.

 

[Bungaree.Chubbins]

Mine gets all sorts of use. It's the perfect size for reading novels and magazines on. It makes a great small stereo around the house and at hotels. It takes up almost zero space in luggage so is perfect for watching some movies on a flight or outputting to a larger display. I find web browsing better than a phone due to the larger display and I can even write comfortably on it using two thumbs in portrait. Its the only computer I'd ever comfortably carry in a satchel, my back not being what it once was.

Thanks to iOS strong software lineup it's also a great games console. On the touchscreen it's great for Balatro or Slay the Spire but plugged into hotel TV it makes for a surrogate Xbox. I regularly play Hades, Stardew Valley and emulators off of mine on a TV.

Yes a bigger model does more, but I find the tablet experience lessens the larger you go.

I’m (sincerely) glad it works well for you, they’re great little devices.

I think a Pro Max and a 13” Air would be the best combo for me. I need to read chord charts while I’m playing bass, and my old iPad Air 2 is juuuust big enough for my terrible eyesight. A 13” Air will be great for chord charts, reviewing engineering PDFs, and using the Serif Affinity suite, as well as being a portable TV, and light office machine (with BT keyboard). It’s probably a bit awkward to read ebooks on though.

I have read many books on my iPhone 14, and more on my iPad. The mini is ideal for reading, but a Pro Max is still comfortable.

It’s great that there are options now. I know a lot of people are whinging that there are too many, and want to force their choices onto us, but why should you have to give up your mini because someone else thinks they’re silly? Why should I not use my iPad for work because “they’re not productivity devices” according to some random stranger?

To me a foldable phone is the worst of both worlds, an utterly ridiculous proposition. Great! I won’t buy one! But I’m glad they’ll be an option for people who would find them useful!

 

[Spinrite]

Try a folding phone...

Since I have one, every time I pick up the iPhone it seems completely outdated.

Listen here, it's simply not true and I can't stand ignorance and misinformation to a post like this. I've owned a foldable now for over a year. A Vivo X Fold 3 Pro chinese edition, i'm living in Canada. Extremely cold here in the winter for 4-6 months of the year. Use it for business and personal use, I'm a heavy user, not moderate user, i use this for everything, its my laptop, camera and music listening device, taking notes on it on the inner screen and using the camera for photos for my construction site inspections, its been in dusty enviroments and folding and unfolding in outdoor winter days, hinge and the internal part mechanisms have been flawless. They say you cant replace the internal film screen protector on the inner larger screen but i have changed mine once already to a matte screen protector and encountered no problems. I went for a walk a few weeks ago with my dog one night and had the phone folded in my hand and the leash in the other hand, my dog seen a cat she wanted to chase and bolted as i wasn't paying attention and out flew the phone in my hand falling at least 3.5 ft onto cement curb and into a puddle of water on concrete. I picked it up from the water face up unfolded and thought it was wrecked. Came back home to better look at it and none of the screens had damage, it turned on fine front and back screens, ran to the sink to rinse off the debris and small stones, towel dried it. I analyzed it under bright lights while closed it and checked the perimeter frame and covers for scratches. To my surprise i only had a nick corner edge of the front face screen corner edge and some small nicks on the hinge cover, all small cosmetic scars, no biggy. I had a carbon fiber back case cover with no hinge protection or front protection whatsoever. The build quality of the foldable is a tank, they are not fragile devices that need to be babied, believe me. I lived with it for over a year, no disappointments or regrets, its performed every time i used it. For anyone saying well, good for you why are you here. I've owned every Iphone Max model buying new ones every September for many years past. I can say this is the first device i owned i havent looked back or thinking now i want to sell it, its still satisfying my work needs and personal needs. Also have a look at the pictures of the results of the drop on concrete and the damage it sustained.

 

[loybond]

I love iPads, so in addition to my Pro, I bought an iPad Mini 6 a little while back. I was blown away at how much it sucked - it felt really slow and choppy beyond the 60 hz, and refused to show a lot of websites in desktop form. These two things annoyed me the most, but of course, there was the screen tearing, crappy colour gamut etc.

So I sold it and bought a used fold 4 as a replacement for it. It was a better iPad Mini than the iPad Mini by a lot, but I loved that it rendered websites better, had a great 120 hz OLED screen and best of all, folded up and was really easy to take anywhere.

I've been a digital nomad for a few years, and I like being out/going out a lot. The fold allowed me to administer my business without necessarily having my MacBook with me, which for me is a ton of value. So given that it can sometimes replace a laptop, an iPad Mini, and is also a phone - I just can't wait till Apple comes out with one.

 

[subjonas]

That may be the case, but nonetheless it is too small to be useful. I had one because I like the concept, but I ended up replacing it as soon as I could because it was only useful in very specific circumstances. The way my life has gone, I’m even further away from those circumstances than ever, and I’m looking forward to a 13” iPad.

I still have a soft spot for the iPad mini, it’s a really nice device! But aside from using it in bed for web browsing or games, it does nothing a larger iPad can do better. And what it does do is capably handled by my iPhone.

I guess this is all part of why I can’t see the utility of a folding phone for myself. Even unfolded, it barely offers any improvement in utility over a non-folding phone. It’s not worth the expense and the compromises to have a slightly larger screen for web browsing in bed.

For me, a tablet is a very casual device I can hold and read on for hours comfortably with one hand. And I find the iPad Mini is the largest size/weight for that. Even when the original 9.7” iPad came out, I found it too big and heavy for how I wanted to use it, so I didn’t get my first iPad until the Mini came out a couple years later, and I’ve been happy with it ever since (except the Mini 3 which was noticeably heavier than the other iterations I had).

I was also happy when the larger 12.9” iPad came out, as I found that to be the smallest comfortable size for productivity and drawing. So for years, I’ve happily used both size iPads for their specialized purposes. But I always use the larger iPad with a Magic Keyboard or Pencil, never as just a touch tablet.

I am interested in the foldable iPhone, but not because I want an iPad with me all the time. My interest is because:
- I like small phones and according to rumors it will be the smallest phone in the lineup
- when I’m at home, I like to put my iPhone on a charger and only use my iPad Mini around the house as my “phablet”. Although Continuity enables me to do this most of the time, there are often situations where I need to go get my phone to do something, so the two “phone” setup becomes very annoying. Ideally, the iPad Mini would have iPhone Mirroring like the Mac has, but unless/until that happens, the rumored foldable iPhone will be the only way to have a more unified UX for me (other than splitting the difference with a single iPhone Max, which is what I have now and I really dislike carrying it around everywhere).
- also with using the iPad Mini as my “phablet” at home (ie. carrying it around the house), although the screen size is pretty ideal, the device is a bit too big to fit in my pockets. Folding would fix that.

Ideally, though, I’d rather have a regular small phone (iPhone Mini size or smaller), and a folding iPad Mini without an outside screen, and iPhone Mirroring on iPadOS.