The MacRumors Show: Apple Foldable Rumors and Samsung's Galaxy S23 Lineup

[MacRumors]

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we focus on Samsung's newly announced Galaxy S23 lineup, reviews of the new HomePod, and the latest rumors around Apple's first foldable device.

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Following Samsung's announcement of the Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, and Book3, we weigh up how some of the devices compare to the iPhone and MacBook Pro. We also look at the recent reactions to the new HomePod's audio quality, how it compares to the original, and the controversy around it continuing to leave white rings some wooden surfaces.

Finally, we take a look at this week's rollercoaster of rumors about Apple's plans for foldables. On Monday, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple is planning to launch a foldable iPad with a carbon fiber kickstand in 2024. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman then said that he had not heard of any such device in the pipeline for next year. Display analyst Ross Young reiterated Gurman's sentiments, but added that Apple was working on a notebook with a 20.5-inch foldable display for 2025. Amid these reports, we try to get to the bottom of what is really going on with Apple's first foldable device.

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If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, be sure to catch up for a discussion with Tyler Stalman about first impressions of the new Mac mini and MacBook Pro models, as well as iPhone 15 camera rumors.

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Article Link: The MacRumors Show: Apple Foldable Rumors and Samsung's Galaxy S23 Lineup

 

[eoblaed]

There are just so many compromises required for a folding device. I know some folks like them for the novelty, and people that don't really care about a solid, high-quality screen experience may like their different form factor, but I can't imagine there's going to be wide-spread appeal for a folding phone.

 

[castlema]

I don't understand the mania about foldable phones. I realize the Edgelords need the newest, shiniest, coolest devices RIGHT NOW but a foldable phone hold no allure for me. It's an answer in search of a problem.

 

[Aston441]

I just can't imagine a foldable device from Apple, unless there's some kind of breakthrough. Of course they're experimenting, but an actual device for sale with current tech? I'll eat my hat.

 

[Jensend]

I don't understand the mania about foldable phones. I realize the Edgelords need the newest, shiniest, coolest devices RIGHT NOW but a foldable phone hold no allure for me. It's an answer in search of a problem.

It's silly to say that foldable phones don't solve any problems. It's very obvious what the problem they solve is.

The issue is that there are compromises when solving that problem with a folding device: the devices are less durable, the screens are not as perfectly smooth and flat as a typical glass slab phone, they are more expensive, not as water resistant, thicker.

The upside already outweighs the compromises for some people. Maybe eventually the compromises will be small enough that most will find the advantage worth it.

Sure, there are also people who get them to show off or just because it's an interesting piece of engineering.

 

[CausticSoda]

If there is a market to buy them, which there is, Apple will make them once they can produce something half decent, which they will.

 

[Deepshade]

An extendable rolling edge would be a classy design epic. Folding just shouts clunky with a crease!

 

[The Game 161]

Foldables are great but aren’t perfect but it’s great tech

 

[tagsaid]

I just can't imagine a foldable device from Apple, unless there's some kind of breakthrough. Of course they're experimenting, but an actual device for sale with current tech? I'll eat my hat.

I will be pre-ordering it the day they announce it.

Is it a gimmick? Sure it is, but when done properly it can come in handy. I’ve been an iPhone user since the 3GS, but the Samsung fold is the one temptation I’ve had to flip after using it, it’s just not enough to give up MagSafe or iOS to me.

But, in terms of buying one, I’ll buy a phone that’s foldable before I buy one because they have better cameras.

 

[wdfly]

I would switch to another device if the only option was something foldable that is not a laptop or a cheap suit.

 

[ackmondual]

There are just so many compromises required for a folding device. I know some folks like them for the novelty, and people that don't really care about a solid, high-quality screen experience may like their different form factor, but I can't imagine there's going to be wide-spread appeal for a folding phone.

Give it time. Or, wait until the 3rd generation. We keep having this song and dance with most other tech features and for the most part, they end up panning through. The idea of wearable tech, smartwatches, doing away with physical numpad buttons on phones, and eventually doing away with the home button. Myself, it took me a while to warm up to the latter 2, but I did. I don't care about smartwatches b/c I don't want to charge another thing, and they're still pricy (although I'm told some of the Samsung ones go for $80 to $120. That's something I can financially stomach. Not the $350+ that Apple and Google wants for their smartwatches).

 

[compwiz1202]

It's silly to say that foldable phones don't solve any problems. It's very obvious what the problem they solve is.

The issue is that there are compromises when solving that problem with a folding device: the devices are less durable, the screens are not as perfectly smooth and flat as a typical glass slab phone, they are more expensive, not as water resistant, thicker.

The upside already outweighs the compromises for some people. Maybe eventually the compromises will be small enough that most will find the advantage worth it.

Sure, there are also people who get them to show off or just because it's an interesting piece of engineering.

I like how it fits easier in my pocket. The length of the PM was the issue, not the thickness. And now that I saw that one 3-1, I could put my wife's PM on the Magsafe and put my Flip on the Qi shelf where Airpods can go. Just wish there was one with two watch spots.

 

[_Spinn_]

I would love Apple to prove me wrong on foldables. Right now they seem to have too many compromises and I don’t trust their durability.