Apple considers foldable iPhone; Minor changes planned for 2021 models

Photographer: Michael Short / Bloomberg

Apple Inc. has started work on a foldable screen iPhone, a potential rival for similar devices from Samsung Electronics Co. and others, although it is planning only minor changes to this year’s iPhone lineup.

The Cupertino, Calif.-Based company has developed prototype folding screens for internal testing, but has not solidified plans to launch a foldable iPhone. The development work has not expanded beyond a screen, meaning that Apple does not yet have complete prototypes of devices in its labs, according to a person familiar with the work, who asked not to be identified discussing private matters.

Like Samsung’s Galaxy Fold, the The reboot of Motorola Razr and other offerings from Chinese companies, including Huawei Technologies Co., a foldable iPhone would allow Apple to make a device with a larger screen in a more portable package. Apple has internally discussed a series of foldable screen sizes, including one that folds out to a size similar to the iPhone 12 Pro Max 6.7 inch screen. Today’s foldable phones have 6 to 8 inch folded screens.

The folding screens from Apple under test, like those from Samsung, have an almost invisible hinge with the electronic components positioned behind the screen, the person said. Other companies, including Microsoft Corp., recently launched devices with visible hinges separating two separate panels. An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment.

That would be a radical change for Apple. Its pioneering and playable smartphone for all screens is arguably the most successful consumer technology product in history, helping to make Apple the most valuable company in the world. However, a foldable iPhone is probably years away or may never be released. The company is currently focused on launching its flagship next generation iPhones and iPads later this year.

Apple is not planning major changes to this year’s iPhone lineup, given improvements made to the smartphone in 2020, including 5G and new designs, according to people familiar with the situation. At Apple, engineers consider the next iPhones to be another “S” version of the device, the nomenclature normally given to new iPhones with minor updates.

The Covid-19 pandemic has also complicated product development, with Apple hardware engineers working only in Silicon Valley offices a few days a week and in limited numbers. That meant offloading work for Apple engineers in China.

Last year, the pandemic delayed the launch of the iPhone 12 by several weeks, but Apple still managed to include almost all of its intended features, except for an accessory called “AirTags” to locate physical items like backpacks and keys. The company now plans to launch this accessory this year, and is planning several accessories for it, including a leather keychain. Samsung announced a similar device earlier this month.