Report: Apple Close to Selecting Supplier for Foldable Display

[MacRumors]

Apple is in the final stages of selecting a key supplier for its next-generation foldable display technology, according to a new report from the Naver blog account "yeux1122," citing a source within Apple's supply chain.

According to the report, Apple has maintained strict technical requirements for potential suppliers, focusing on maintaining current industry standards for thickness, size, and curvature radius while demanding significant improvements in durability and crease prevention. Some domestic component manufacturers are said to have recently made substantial progress in meeting Apple's exacting specifications.

The supplier selection process is reportedly expected to conclude between late February and early April, though Apple has not yet made a final decision.

While the report doesn't specify which device this display is intended for, the timing suggests a foldable iPhone. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently indicated that Apple's foldable iPhone remains in the planning stage, with various analysts projecting a release between late 2025 and 2027. The Information has suggested Apple could release a clamshell-style foldable iPhone as soon as 2026.

Apple is also reportedly exploring larger foldable devices. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the company is developing a roughly 19-inch foldable device "intended to serve as a laptop." Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has also mentioned plans for a "giant" foldable iPad that could launch in 2028, noting Apple's intention to create a device without a visible crease that appears as a single piece of glass.

Article Link: Report: Apple Close to Selecting Supplier for Foldable Display

 

[yesssnoooyess]

foldable? nooo, want a pro mini. or even a mini with usb-c and 120hz.. less screentime will be the result. that would be nice. back to what a phone used to be (with some additonal features - needed for some messages and banking)

 

[DrJR]

I’m looking forward to a foldable watch.

 

[mazz0]

I’m looking forward to a foldable watch.

I've heard good things about the foldable HomePod. It has wireless power too. It has no battery so has to be constantly on the charger, but it's wireless (albeit with exactly the same amount of wire as none-wireless).

In case I'm being too subtle/unfunny here: I'm suggesting that foldable is a cool looking gimmick that adds as much real value as "wireless" charging, ie none.

 

[polyphenol]

I've heard good things about the foldable HomePod. It has wireless power too. It has no battery so has to be constantly on the charger, but it's wireless (albeit with exactly the same amount of wire as none-wireless).

In case I'm being too subtle/unfunny here: I'm suggesting that foldable is a cool looking gimmick that adds as much real value as "wireless" charging, ie none.

For myself, if I assume that a foldable has exactly the same total volume as a non-foldable, I'd not be happy. (That might be optimistic.) I can slip my current phone into an inside jacket pocket, or - at a pinch, a trouser pocket.

If I had something about twice as thick, both of those would be poor to impossible choices.

However, if I carried my phone in a handbag, a folder might work well.

Further, the BIG issue with folders, the extra cost. No thank you!

 

[freezelighter]

Instant buy.
Price is not important.
Take 2499$ and give me an iPhone 17 Mini or iPhone 17 Fold.

 

[mazz0]

However, if I carried my phone in a handbag, a folder might work well.

But even then, what would the benefit be? Your existing phone will fit in any handbag, no problem. Seems very much a solution in search of a problem to me.

 

[polyphenol]

But even then, what would the benefit be? Your existing phone will fit in any handbag, no problem. Seems very much a solution in search of a problem to me.

When using one her smaller handbags, an iPhone 15 seems a bit too big. Folded, it might be better. But that is her current opinion and experience would be king.

The Samsung adverts showed folded phones being very convenient for taking some sorts of photo, and other potential benefits. But advert-land always manages to show the very best possible aspect of anything!

 

[ry-guy]

Judging history from 1 gen products, Apple Vision Pro, possible failing displays, etc……..

Maybe i will buy one……in 6 years ha

 

[sinsin07]

Wonder how much money the inevitable class action will be: Bend Gate , Fold Gate, Crease Gate

 

[Mr_Ed]

I realize everyone has different wants and needs but I guess I’m conditioned to not need a “larger” screen from a phone. I have iPads and computers when I need that. Then I look at the fact that a foldable is essentially twice as thick. If they go with a “tall” form factor (like Galaxy Fold) the thickness would make it even harder to stash in pockets. If they go with a short-when-folded (like the render), there are other problems like the need to unfold in order to do anything other than maybe answering a call. I just don’t see the appeal.

 

[Krizoitz]

according to a new report from the Naver blog account "yeux1122,"

Wow…the standards for what passes as a source has really gone down the tubes.

 

[JosephAW]

hopefully the new mini is the foldable 📱📱🙌👏

 

[steve09090]

Wow…the standards for what passes as a source has really gone down the tubes.

I gotta say. The leaks + photos on that page for other products are pretty impressive

 

[timber]

While there is some attractiveness for a real no crease or visible foldable I don't really have much use for it.

My phone stays on a table or car pouch most of the day. Continually folding and unfolding it is more annoying that when I carry it. It would really need an out of this world screen to get my interest. Something that folded would be more or less the same as today but larger in tablet form.

 

[Quickspitxbl]

Folding screens about as cool as 3d tv's. Please let this fad die quickly.

 

[Disgruntled_Scot]

What is this obsession with foldable phones? They look ugly as sin and the creases look hideous.

 

[Saturn1217]

A foldable iPhone that unfolds to the size of an iPad mini is my hope. That is probably the only way we are getting an iPad mini pro.

Id be interested.

 

[randomgeeza]

No, just no!

 

[EugW]

If it’s still just in the “planning stage” as claimed, even a 2027 release would seem optimistic. Or, if it were truly to go into mass production soon, then it’d likely already be planned out.

 

[Lioness~]

My mini is still going strong - so I won't buy the 1st gen of what they now can offer as a replacement of the mini. I am doubtful....and I don’t trust Timmy to please the mini owner’s.
I have more hope for next CEO to care about the customers.

 

[nfl46]

Yes, please. It’s about time they release something different for the iPhone since the current models are just rinse and repeats year after year. The whole marketing for the iPhone 16 series was AI and those features weren’t fully available yet. Sad.

 

[nfl46]

If still just in the planning stage as claimed, even a 2027 release would be optimistic.

My guess is 2027, which is around the time of the 20th anniversary of the iPhone. It will be the one more thing surprise.

 

[geta]

My mini is still going strong - so I won't buy the 1st gen of what they now can offer as a replacement of the mini. I am doubtful....and I don’t trust Timmy to please the mini owner’s.
I have more hope for next CEO to care about the customers.

The only Mini replacement will be another Mini.

 

[TechRunner]

I loved the form factor of my Z Flip4, but the overall experience was midrange at a flagship price. If Apple's foldable features all the good bits from the Pro-level iPhone, I would gladly pay the price they're asking for one.