The MacRumors Show: We're Finally Getting a Foldable iPhone

[MacRumors]

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we catch up on all of the latest rumors about Apple's first foldable iPhone amid a multitude of reports about the device and its launch firming up for next year.

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Apple's foray into foldable smartphones has been rumored for many years, but it looks like the rumors will finally come to fruition next year. Full-scale prototyping of the device reportedly began last month, Samsung has begun production on the OLED displays destined for the foldable, and it is now believed to be on track to reach launch alongside the iPhone 18 lineup in 2026.

The first foldable iPhone is expected to feature a 7.8-inch inner display, a 5.5-inch outer display, a unique hinge system, two rear cameras (wide and ultra wide), one front-facing camera, and a Touch ID power button instead of Face ID.

It is likely to be 4.5mm or so when unfolded, and between 9mm and 9.5mm when folded. For comparison, the latest Galaxy Z Fold 7 measures 4.2mm when unfolded, and 8.9mm when folded. It also features three rear cameras, instead of Apple's anticipated two.

However, Apple is apparently seeking to outdo Samsung with a "crease-free" display thanks to an innovative design that uses a metal plate to disperse and control the stress generated by bending the display. This would be an industry first.

It is expected to cost $1,800 to $2,000. Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold 7 starts at $1,999.99. The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.

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If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about Apple's roadmap for new Vision headsets and smart glasses over the next few years.

Subscribe to The MacRumors Show for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Kevin Nether, John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan M... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: The MacRumors Show: We're Finally Getting a Foldable iPhone

 

[usersince86]

Cue the incredibly varied opinions on a foldable... if you want/need it (and can afford it), great. If you don't, great. Why does it matter what other people think? Just one more area where people divide...

 

[StoneJack]

An instant buy at 2000 bucks

 

[rchaser]

Jobs famously stated, “People don’t know what they want until you show it to them.”

AVP, and now this…Tim Cook’s legacy.

Hopefully this soon-to-be failure will be the final straw for Cook and usher him into retirement.

Apple doesn’t do innovation any more. I can accept that the window for innovation in consumer devices may be mostly closed, but AVP and foldable phones are the antithesis of the spirit of Apple and reek of desperation.

 

[rchaser]

Cue the incredibly varied opinions on a foldable... if you want/need it (and can afford it), great. If you don't, great. Why does it matter what other people think? Just one more area where people divide...

Because those of us who have been around long enough remember what Apple used to be about and maybe were lamenting the slow regression to the mean of a once revolutionary company that had soul.

A/R-V/R headset and a foldable half a decade or more after those products have been on the market is so pathetic.

Apple needs a visionary, not a steward.

 

[Just sayin...]

Will consider ONLY if I can get AppleCare+ with it. You know - the one that covers accidental damage, loss, theft...that way I'll be covered if something happens.

 

[Amazing Iceman]

Because those of us who have been around long enough remember what Apple used to be about and maybe were lamenting the slow regression to the mean of a once revolutionary company that had soul.

A/R-V/R headset and a foldable half a decade or more after those products have been on the market is so pathetic.

Apple needs a visionary, not a steward.

You are not seeing things from the right perspective. While I could care less for a foldable phone, you need to realize that in order for the Vision Pro to be released, a lot had to be done in advance under the surface; otherwise it would have been a paperweight:
• ARKit
• MLKit
• Extensive research to prevent people from getting dizzy, eye strained or vomiting after using the device, something that happens with the other devices that came out early without being a half-ass solution.
It’s easy to criticize Apple for being “late”. The reality is that the others came early without being ready.
The AVP it’s a great tool with a huge future ahead. It’s not just a toy or a giant display for a computer.

 

[Zubba]

Does anyone actually believe Apple will undercut, or even match Samsung's pricing? There's basically no chance it comes out at 1999; more like 2399 similarly specced.

 

[rchaser]

You are not seeing things from the right perspective. While I could care less for a foldable phone, you need to realize that in order for the Vision Pro to be released.
A lot had to be done in advance under the surface; otherwise it would have been a paperweight:
• ARKit
• MLKit
• Extensive research to prevent people from getting dizzy, eye strained or vomiting after using the device, something that happens with the other devices that came out early without being a half-ass solution.
It’s easy to criticize Apple for being “late”. it’s that the others came early without being ready.
The AVP it’s a great tool with a huge future ahead. It’s not just a toy or a giant display for a computer.

Thanks, Phil.

 

[bmark]

Applecare+ will be like $499 on the foldable iPhone!

 

[Astuces iOS]

Wow another Vision Pro that no one will buy it !

 

[mozumder]

I'm not gonna get it if it has the stupid crease in the middle. Also, it can't compromise on the camera. Camera quality is the most important factor.

 

[dantay]

I’m skipping the 17 Pro and this will be my next purchase 🎉🎉🎉

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

I'm actually surprised Apple is starting it's foldables with a Fold version instead of a Flip. Anyone that's had a Samsung Flip or Motorola Razr flip, knows a Flip would fit Apple's brand better over a Fold.

I am excited for Apple's Fold though, but I highly doubt I will get the first Gen, unless it's designed (hardware & software) that good.

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[Martyimac]

If it was in a flip configuration, I MIGHT consider it. Fold? No thanks.

 

[sjsharksfan12]

I just can't get over the crease. How do people who have foldables get over that really obvious crease in the middle which always bangs you over the head that it is a foldable phone. I like the multi-tasking features and based on the demos I've seen from Samsung it looks really nice, but if we are going towards a future where Foldables reign supreme (As was suggested on this episode which made me shake my head a little), how are they going to get pass the obvious flaw?

 

[Khojmdn]

I wonder if this is why iPadOs got some improvements this year - to still separate iphone (even the same size screen) and iPad features. Apple never canibalizes products

 

[LizKat]

I'd rather upgrade my iPad mini AND get a 16e for a phone... and have money left over.

 

[bpa1093]

What are Jon Prosser’s thoughts on this? 🤔

 

[StevieD100]

Yawn. This is a 'do not buy' even at $200.00.
Is there really a demand for this 'thing' once the Fanbois have been sold their new iThing?
I've yet to see a Samsung foldable in the wild so my guess is not yet.
Then with the economy about to crash who exactly will have the money to spend on this?
Not me that's for sure.

 

[M5RahuL]

Cue the incredibly varied opinions on a foldable... if you want/need it (and can afford it), great. If you don't, great. Why does it matter what other people think? Just one more area where people divide...

Watch people here lose their dung over the prospect of Apple releasing a FOLDABLE!!

 

[darngooddesign]

The next fold 8 is supposed to have a creaseless design similar to what Apple is going to use, be interesting if that design increases the weight and thickness a bit. I don't think the lack of cameras will impact it as greatly considering this is basically a folding iPhone Air.

 

[ghanwani]

Just like you finally got AirPower and Apple Car.

 

[swm]

Wow another Vision Pro that no one will buy it !

I think many will buy it, but not as many who bought regular - un-foldable - iPhones.
I'm not saying there isn't any demand, but I doubt this gonna be mainstream in any way.
I can get an iPad and an iPhone for $2k. and I won't be worrying about how long the foldable LCD screen will last if I keep opening it about a 100 times per day.
so this is not my thing, but that doesn't necessarily mean that there ain't anybody out there who'll be dying for it.
still I think this'll be likely some niche thing.

and while I do understand and admire the level on engineering and craftsmanship that goes into such a device, people shouldn't pay $2k for a phone. any phone.

 

[jayducharme]

Jobs famously stated, “People don’t know what they want until you show it to them.”

Apple doesn’t do innovation any more.

Apple never really did "innovation". What they do is look at what's already on the market and think, "How can we do this better." That was true with the iPhone. There were dozens of different mobile phone manufacturers on the market for decades. But Apple re-thought what a consumer would want in a mobile device. Same thing with the iPad. Same thing with VisionPro. Heck, it was the same with the first Macintosh.