Apple was informed today that it is preparing not just one, but two new iPhone models with foldable elements. One is considered similar to the Motorola RAZR or Samsung Z Flip – a shell design. The other is rumored to be less like a standard phone and more like a Microsoft Surface Duo.
Both models are expected to be in an official Apple prototype process according to UDN Money (also known as Economic Daily) this week. These prototypes are apparently ready enough to pass Foxconn’s durability tests. This does not mean that the devices will be launched in 2021 – these devices may not be launched to the public. This could just be the case with Apple covering their bases, making sure that they tried to make a foldable smartphone just to see if their best matches the rest of their devices – and in fact good enough to launch to customers. from Apple.
ABOVE: Part of a May 2020 concept design, when folding devices still looked like a future with no potential to flourish in any meaningful way.
Apple has given no public indication that it is interested in foldable smartphone technology, other than the one it has presented to patent offices in recent years. They have submitted patent proposals and received several patents for foldable display technology and smart dual screen devices with patent offices around the world.
Apple does not typically launch devices or drastically modified versions of devices, unless they have seen the opportunity to lead the category in which these devices will be placed upon arrival. They didn’t launch a smartwatch before developing the Apple Watch – now they have the most successful smartwatch in the world. If Apple doesn’t see an opportunity to create a foldable smartphone that will dominate the competition from the start, they probably won’t launch such a device.
It is not out of the question that Apple could eventually launch a device that bridges the gap between the smart mobile device and the laptop. The concept of a 2-monitor device (almost continuous) could eventually fulfill the dream of having an iOS device, such as an iPhone, which is also capable of unfolding and acting as powerful as a MacBook.
If Apple is in fact preparing a device like this, it probably won’t be released in the year 2021. We expect any drastically altered iPhone or iPhone-like device to be revealed in 2022 or later. Foldable devices may be in development with Apple, but we are unlikely to see any of these devices here in 2021.