Report: Apple Close to Selecting Supplier for Foldable Display

[HobeSoundDarryl]

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

The whole industry is trying to go to what the market apparently wants: even bigger MOBILE screens. There are 4 new ways to do that right now (beyond just lengthening/widening/fattening existing form factors):

1. Fold
2. Roll
3. Projector
4. Virtual

They WANT to deliver bigger mobile screens and are all experimenting on the best way(s) there. Apple's first cut in Vpro was the only one that works in the day or night, with complete privacy, for ANY size screen(s) in a package that has a fixed size & weight. Accepted by a slice, rejected by most.

#3 only really works well in or near darkness, has no security unless you find a private space, etc.

#1 & #2 scale size & weight with target size. In the short-term, they offer growth to perhaps double and maybe triple existing mobile screens before size & weight basically kill the mobility aspect.

Folds may be faddish and may die quickly... but the goal won't die. How do "we" deliver bigger MOBILE screens? I really don't envision laptops rolling out at even 24" and 30" in the existing form factor. Imagine the weight alone. Do we want to try to lug around quadruple fold behemoths? Existing form factors may be towards (size) maxed out. If we don't want fold/roll, do we want #3? Seems unlikely with so much mobile device usage during the day and outside.

It seems probable that fold/roll phone that could cannibalize some tablet sales will probably be the new king of the hill in relative pricing. If so, it will probably also be king of the hill in profit per unit sold (fattest margin too). Apple likes 💰💰💰, so that's a whole other "problem in search of a solution..." a potential solution for the beancounters.

 

[mazz0]

Now, a regular-sized iPhone that unfolded into a tablet-sized device might be more interesting...

I kiiiinda agree, but I dunno... while having something bigger that I can carry around easily would be handy, when I'm just doing something quick I want to do it on something phone sized, and I don't want it to be twice as thick. Are you envisaging carrying a phone in your pocket, and a folded in half iPad in your handbag as well?

 

[surferfb]

Nope,..i'm not to sure how your reading that? It's pretty clear that thy HAVE made progress in meeting the exacting spec.

I guess to me “made progress” doesn’t mean “we hit the target” it means “we’re getting closer”. From personal experience, I can tell you that if one of my employees tells me they’ve “made progress” on a deliverable, it’s a very bad idea to assume it’s going to be done on time 🤣.

But ultimately I know next to nothing about how Apple’s supply chain works, so I’m admittedly talking out of my you know where .

 

[TechRunner]

I used to think these were dumb idea till I folded Samsung and put it in my pocket. I'm all for a smaller phone in my pocket with a full size screen.

Likewise, I felt the same until I tried a Z Flip4. It was great to have a phone that disappeared in the front pocket of my pants but opened to a full-sized screen. Loved the form factor.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

How many people do you think carry two devices on a regular basis, outside of work situations? I don't know anyone that regularly carries a tablet.

I fly often. Sitting on the tarmac while there is still cellular, phones in use galore. Right after takeoff, out comes either a big tablet or a laptop to watch a movie or TV show. This would let that crowd pack ONE device but have BOTH with them. Use as a phone as much as they use phone. Switch to a tablet when they want a bigger screen.

Note: this rumor is almost certainly NOT about replacing existing iPhone options with a fold and only fold. Fold would very likely just be another option. Those happy with 2 phones and a laptop could keep carrying an existing-type phone. It's the other people that carry a phone and a tablet that might be interested in one device that can scratch both itches.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

I fly often. Sitting on the tarmac while there is still cellular, phones in use galore. Right after takeoff, out comes either a big tablet or a laptop to watch a movie or TV show. This would let that crowd pack ONE device but have BOTH with them. Use as a phone as much as they use phone. Switch to a tablet when they want a bigger screen.

Note: this rumor is almost certainly NOT about replacing existing iPhone options with a fold and only fold. Fold would very likely just be another option. Those happy with 2 phones and a laptop could keep carrying an existing-type phone. It's the other people that carry a phone and a tablet that might be interested in one device that can scratch both itches.

Thanks for the insight. I fly a decent amount too, but just use my e-ink kindle when flying, as I don't like reading on a backlit screen. Foldable wouldn't work for that.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Here's the reality...

1. Prior to believing Apple will go there, this is a "gimmicky", "stupid" concept that "no one will want."
2. However, as rumors pile up that Apple is probably going to go there, the sentiment moderates into posts like, "I used to think these were dumb but then I saw..." and a lot of "if-then" conditions. We're HERE now.
3. When the rumors get overwhelming, the moderation will peak with "I need to see one in person."
4. Then rumor becomes reality in a big reveal and lots of people gush & praise... with plenty of "shut up and take my money" frantic buying and worry about missing out on getting one ASAP.
5. Not long afterwards, you'll see former, passionate critics writing "how did we ever get by with those puny screen phones" and similar. And
6. 2 or 3 years later- assuming it is a hit- (opinion) history (in future posts) will start evolving like Apple invented the fold/roll phone.

The same cycle played out with phablet form factors while Apple clung to the "perfection" of 4", which came after the "perfect" size at 3.5". There are tons of threads loaded with complete contempt and words like "abomination" and "fragmentation" assigned to phablet-sized phones while Apple sold the tiny screen phones. Now what do we all have in our pockets? Are those in "pants with bigger pockets"? Are we carrying the "man purses" for the phablets as so assured in years of ridiculing posts? How did our one-handed-use hands grow so suddenly?

This will probably be no different. We'll keep detesting it while Apple doesn't have one... though that will moderate as rumors pile up... and then we'll suddenly & magically see many problems this solution can solve... and be rationalizing owning one to others after they are released. Same story almost every time.

I see this through a different lens as I don't own a smart phone brick at all (iPad Mini with buds & VOIP app covers telephony needs for me). So I see a very tangible benefit of my kind of "phone" being able to fold/roll DOWN into a pocketable size. That would be a terrific benefit to me... an absolute problem with this exact solution.

 

[JohnC1959]

The ultimate for me will be a small phone paired with a very nice pair of smart glasses that can project a large screen (or show notifications, etc.) when I want it. The glasses will have to look very much like any normal, non-smart glasses. Someday......

 

[EugW]

Definitely wouldn't want to be an early adopter here, even it was a free upgrade. Not a chance...

I'll see what's going on with an Apple foldable in 4ish years, when I decide to upgrade my 16 Pro. I don't need or want a larger screen.

These foldable phones have been widely available in Asia for several years now.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Thanks for the insight. I fly a decent amount too, but just use my e-ink kindle when flying, as I don't like reading on a backlit screen. Foldable wouldn't work for that.

Ahhh but there's an example: you are carrying TWO devices. Why not just do your reading on that iPhone? Many tasks- like reading a book- are not great on tiny screens. So you also carry that Kindle. Others are fine reading or watching movies/tv on an iPad... so they have both in their bags too. They could unfold a fold/roll 2-in-1 phone/tablet to create a bigger screen for such tasks. Your own preference for eInk probably means you keep carrying a regular phone and also a Kindle device.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

These foldable phones have been widely available in Asia for several years now.

I'm aware, and they have been available in the US for a few years, but I'm referring to Apple's implementation.

Ahhh but there's an example: you are carrying TWO devices. Why not just do your reading on that iPhone? Many tasks are not great on tiny screens. So you also carry that Kindle. Others are fine reading or watching movies/tv on an iPad... so they have both in their bags too. They could unfold a fold/roll 2-in-1 phone/tablet to create a bigger screen for such tasks. Your preference for eInk probably means you keep carrying a regular phone and also a Kindle device.

I'll keep carrying two devices until Apple releases an e-ink iPhone. I read a lot, but never watch tv/movies/video on a phone or computer.

 

[ab2c4]

I just did a google search on this, Foldable sales in 2023 accounted for 1.4% of smartphone sales, and 1.5% in 2024. I realize there are some iphone users that want one and will buy one, but with their expected high price and being more fragile than standard smartphones how much are they going to sell really? I can't see many buying one and while an iphone foldable I would imagine would sell better than Apple Vision Pro I doubt that much better. I think Apple is going to release one just for the sake of releasing one to see what happens.

 

[Arytonsenna]

Hard to have a "next generation" without a first.

 

[Cloudyskies22]

If Apple ever creates a ‘clamshell’ foldable smartphone, i.e. a phone that folds vertically rather than horizontally, they are officially the dumbest designers on the planet.

A smartphone already fits a person’s pocket. A smartphone folded in half vertically would fit in the exact same pocket except now your pocket would simply bulge more from the increased thickness of the phone. Moreover, you get 0% increased screen size.

Anyone with an IQ above say 85 would know that you would very obviously only introduce a smartphone that folds horizontally because it still fits into your pocket, the current components in the phones don’t have to be shrunk or moved around to stay out of the way of a hinge in the middle of the device, and you get double the screen size rather than absolutely no more screen at all.

If ‘The Information’ got a report that they were considering a clamshell iPhone I wouldn’t have reported it strictly on the 0% likelihood that Apple is stupid enough to create that device.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Very interested to see what Apple does in this space

There's a lot of potential here

 

[lenningj]

If it's $1799 or less at launch I'd be surprised

 

[EugW]

I just did a google search on this, Foldable sales in 2023 accounted for 1.4% of smartphone sales, and 1.5% in 2024. I realize there are some iphone users that want one and will buy one, but with their expected high price and being more fragile than standard smartphones how much are they going to sell really? I can't see many buying one and while an iphone foldable I would imagine would sell better than Apple Vision Pro I doubt that much better. I think Apple is going to release one just for the sake of releasing one to see what happens.

Just about nobody I know has any interest at all in Apple Vision Pro. Literally zero people. For me, even if it were half the price, I’d have zero interest.

OTOH I myself would consider buying a foldable phone, unless it’s astronomically priced.

 

[Joshuaorange]

For me this would be an instant buy. I tried the galaxy fold and loved the hardware. Couldn’t live with Android. This would be the perfect solution. I also own a Thinkpad fold and love it. I originally thought foldable devices were a gimmick. I was very wrong.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Likewise, I felt the same until I tried a Z Flip4. It was great to have a phone that disappeared in the front pocket of my pants but opened to a full-sized screen. Loved the form factor.

Same

I went on a trip recently with a friend who has one of the latest RAZRs with the large external screen (when folded) and was really impressed with all the quick interactions/info checks he could accomplish on the outer screen without even fully opening it.

I remain convinced there is an interesting iPhone variant or two in the foldable space

Very happy to see they are pursuing it

It won't be for everyone -- just like most products

 

[surferfb]

If Apple ever creates a ‘clamshell’ foldable smartphone, i.e. a phone that folds vertically rather than horizontally, they are officially the dumbest designers on the planet.

A smartphone already fits a person’s pocket. A smartphone folded in half vertically would fit in the exact same pocket except now your pocket would simply bulge more from the increased thickness of the phone. Moreover, you get 0% increased screen size.

Anyone with an IQ above say 85 would know that you would very obviously only introduce a smartphone that folds horizontally because it still fits into your pocket, the current components in the phones don’t have to be shrunk or moved around to stay out of the way of a hinge in the middle of the device, and you get double the screen size rather than absolutely no more screen at all.

If ‘The Information’ got a report that they were considering a clamshell iPhone I wouldn’t have reported it strictly on the 0% likelihood that Apple is stupid enough to create that device.

To play devil's advocate for a bit, while I agree that I don't currently see a use case for a clamshell, I do suspect Apple has "considered" it much like I suspect Apple has "considered" every wishlist item listed on MacRumors (thicker phone without camera bump and more battery, iPhone mini replacement, TouchID on phone to get rid of Dynamic Island, etc.). They'd be remiss if they didn't consider everything when it comes to iPhone. If Apple has considered it and is still investigating it, I suspect there is a use case we're not seeing.

If a sketchy report had come out in 2004 or 2005 saying Apple was considering a phone without a keypad, given the state of touch screens at the time I think a lot of people would have immediately thought Steve had lost his marbles - "multitouch" as we know it wasn't on anyone's radar until 2006-2007.

 

[Joshuaorange]

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.

That would make it quite large and cumbersome. Honestly totally ridiculous and yes I would buy it.

 

[Joshuaorange]

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.

Because you haven’t experienced it. Notice how we always choose a larger screen for anything when we are able to.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Because you haven’t experienced it. Notice how we always choose a larger screen for anything when we are able to.

Plenty of have experienced it, and then went back to the smaller screened models. I did. I don't watch video/tv/movies/youtube on my phone, I don't have any games installed, and I don't have use social media on it.

I also exclusively use my phones one-handed, and can't do that with much beyond a Pro-sized phones.

When I want a big screen, I also want a big physical keyboard.

 

[iMac The Knife]

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!

You do realize that foldables are becoming comparable to slab phones in terms of thickness when folded and weight, right? My Honor Magic V3 Global is only just over 1mm thicker than the iPhone 16PM when it is folded and it is 1 gram lighter, which is insane.

 

[rp100]

Despite what we all think on here, there is definitely market demand for foldable phones. I think 10-20% of users would change to a folding phone given good advertising and cheap financing. Apple would be foolish not to make a serious attempt at filling that demand. Will we have another "iPhone moment" in the industry? Probably not. But Apple will bring some substantial differentiating feature to the table... hopefully a crease-less screen.