Apple's First Foldable Device Won't Be an iPhone, Say Supply Chain Sources

Apple is now deciding on the design of its first foldable device as work on the project ramps up, DigiTimes reports.

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Citing Taiwanese supply chain sources in a paywalled report, DigiTimes claims that Apple has been developing its first foldable product for at least five years. Corroborating previous rumors, the publication claims that the foldable is set to be a "larger device" rather than an iPhone, instead embodying a tablet or notebook. Design efforts on the device are now said to be converging ahead of plans for mass production.

Since hinge mechanisms for foldable devices have become increasingly advanced in recent years, the main problem for Apple's foldable is said to be developing a panel that meets its quality demands. The report adds that Apple's rumored suspension of Samsung foldable display panel development and internal reorganization to move Vision Pro engineers to the foldable project are not contradictory moves, since the company is overwhelmingly prioritizing quality.

The report clarified that Apple has not suspended work on foldable devices, with the company allegedly now possessing multiple departments responsible for different foldable product lines. Apple's first foldable device will not launch until 2025 at the earliest.

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Top Rated Comments

DeepWebinar Avatar
12 months ago
a foldable notebook? now that would be innovative ?
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HobeSoundDarryl Avatar
12 months ago
If notebook, IMO it must have traditional keys for touch typing. If one can't feel the keys, they can't touch type very effectively. I'm getting Flashbacks to the Atari 400...



If tablet, great... give me a pocketable iPad Mini (when folded). The one great benefit (again IMO) of iPhone over cellular iPad Mini doubling as phone (with Voip app and buds) is pocket-ability. I'd be quick to buy a cellular iPad Mini Fold.

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Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
syklee26 Avatar
12 months ago
You guys got it all wrong:

It is foldable cleaning cloth
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
crsh1976 Avatar
12 months ago

Comments from people who have no clue about current foldables and will say they do not need one coming in 3...
Do enlighten us, please.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MayaUser Avatar
12 months ago
Apple, you dont have to follow the trend and make it better...if something is nonsense and fragile already, focus on something else
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nuckinfutz Avatar
12 months ago
I'm not purchasing anything that comes out the box broken (folding)
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)