Tag: apple foldable

Patents Reveal Apple Could Be Working on Clamshell Foldable With an Interesting Hinge Design: Report

Compared to what other smartphone brands have on offer, Apple seems to be far behind the competition when it comes to foldables. The Cupertino giant has yet to launch or even showcase its first ever foldable device with a folding display while other brands have at least one foldable model in their existing lineup of smartphones. Recent rumours have pointed out that Apple is working on bigger foldable devices, with the latest report pointing towards the development of a foldable MacBook laptop with a 20-inch display. A more recent report pointed out that Apple’s iPhone has been delayed to 2027 and even goes on to claim that Vision Pro staff have now been directed to work on the foldable device instead. Now, an older patent which was filed last year, has been published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), suggesting that Apple is indeed working on clamshell foldable designs.

The patent (US 20240147644 A1) was filed in October last year and was published by the USPTO on May 2, 2024. According to a report by Patently Apple, which was the first to bring these details to light, Apple has a very interesting hinge design for what seems to be meant for a smaller or compact foldable, which in Apple’s case could be a Plus or a Max-sized iPhone or an iPad Mini. To make things crystal clear, Apple does refer to the device in question as something that could be a cellular phone, a computer, or a portable electronic device.

Every foldable device in existence today relies on a reliable hinge mechanism and a foldable display. Apple’s designs appear to be similar to what most smartphone manufacturers have currently achieved with their foldables. This would include the two halves of the chassis held together by synchronised gear plates with interlocked teeth to guide the opening and closing mechanism and protect the inner folding display. The foldable device according to the diagrams seems to be held together using interconnected links (like the metal links of a metal watch bracelet) with restricting rotation. The mechanism in these interconnecting links seems to be far more complex compared to what most manufacturers have in place today.

A quick glance also shows that Apple’s hinge design due to its complexity does seem substantially thicker than what’s available on most foldable smartphones today. And given how thick it seems from the patent’s diagrams, it could indeed make more sense in a foldable iPad than in an iPhone, which points back at older rumours about Apple working on a foldable iPad instead of a foldable iPhone.

Designing a hinge for a larger tablet or even a laptop would also reduce Apple’s challenges compared to designing one for an iPhone as most tablets and computers don’t require stricter IP ratings, which some manufacturers have only partially struggled with so far. Samsung’s currently available Galaxy Z Fold 5 (Review) for example offers an IPX8 rating (which offers minimal protection against dust and debris) while its regular smartphones offer a proper IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Apple unveiled its first mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, at its annual developer conference, along with new Mac models and upcoming software updates. We discuss all the most important announcements made by the company at WWDC 2023 on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Apple Foldable iPhone Launch Delayed to 2027, Vision Pro Engineers to Work on First Foldable: Report

Apple released the Vision Pro last month and the Cupertino-based tech giant seems to have shifted its focus to developing foldable smartphones after its first mixed-reality headset went on sale in the US. A new supply-chain report from Korea claims that the launch of Apple’s first, long-rumoured foldable iPhone has been pushed to 2027. This corroborates recent leaks that also suggested a similar timeline. Some engineers previously working on Vision Pro reportedly have been moved to work on a folding iPhone or iPad project.

A report by Korean outlet AlphaBiz citing a company executive with knowledge of the matter, states that the launch of the foldable iPhone was adjusted from the fourth quarter of 2026 to the first quarter of 2027. The publication previously claimed that the foldable iPhone would debut in late 2026. The launch timeline was pushed back reportedly after considering the preparation for various items, including the supply of foldable displays.

Further, the report notes that major component manufacturers such as display suppliers are expected to proceed according to the company’s original schedule, despite the delay. Apple is speculated to have undergone an internal personnel adjustment. The company has allegedly sent staff who have worked for Vision Pro to work on foldable devices. instead.

Apple is believed to be in the early stages of developing prototypes of at least two clamshell-style foldable iPhone models. They are not reportedly in the company’s mass production plans for 2024 or 2025. The first foldable phone from the brand is said to feature a 6-inch external display and an 8-inch main display. The company is reportedly discussing supply orders with LG Display (LGD) and Samsung Display (SDC).

The iPhone maker has actively applied for patents related to foldable displays. It has reportedly approached at least one supplier in Asia for components related to two foldable ‌iPhone‌ models that come in different sizes. A foldable iPad is also said to be in the pipeline. It is said to carry a 20-inch display.

Apple unveiled its first mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, at its annual developer conference, along with new Mac models and upcoming software updates. We discuss all the most important announcements made by the company at WWDC 2023 on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Apple Foldable iPhone Launch Said to Be Delayed to First Quarter of 2027

Apple is believed to be working on its lineup of foldable devices. While the Cupertino, California-based company has not divulged its plans for foldables, recent reports and filed patents suggest that the company is working on a foldable iPhone, iPad, and a large-display device, said to be a MacBook. Earlier this month, a report claimed that a foldable iPhone could debut in 2026. Now, a new report suggests that Apple has pushed back the launch of its first foldable phone to early 2027.

Korean outlet AlphaBiz, which previously claimed that the foldable iPhone would likely be released in late 2026, said in a new report that the device would be launched in the first quarter of 2027. Citing an official familiar with Apple’s internal plans, the report said that Apple had delayed its plans for a foldable phone owing to reasons related to supply and demand.

“I understand that Apple plans to start selling foldable iPhone at a slightly later time than expected after making full preparations for all matters, including the supply and demand of foldable displays,” the official was quoted as saying. Previously reported to be slated for the fourth quarter of 2026, the foldable Apple phone is now said to be delayed to the first quarter of 2027.

The report, however, mentioned that the selection of suppliers for the components, such as foldable displays, for the device was expected to proceed as originally planned.

Earlier this month, the same publication had claimed, citing a senior Apple official, that the foldable iPhone would be launched in 2026. “As it is a later release than its competitors, we know that cutting-edge technologies will be concentrated,” the official was quoted as saying at the time.

The official had claimed that a foldable iPhone would be thinner and lighter than the competition, with a particular focus on preventing crease marks on the folding screen. Apple has reportedly applied to patent a technology that minimizes wrinkles and creases along the folding axis of the display.

Apple has not yet revealed its plans for a foldable device even as the company lags behind rivals Samsung and Google in the product category. Samsung has released five generations of both clamshell and book-style foldable phones, while Google launched the Pixel Fold last year and is reported to be working on a second-generation Pixel foldable.

Shifting and contradicting reports around Apple’s foldable products have further amplified the uncertainty around its plans for the segment. The company has been widely reported to be working on a foldable iPad. Earlier this month, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that Apple’s first foldable would be a 20.3-Inch MacBook, that will likely enter mass production in 2027.

Last month, a tipster had claimed on Chinese social media site Weibo that Apple had halted development on a foldable iPhone over issues with the folding display.

Apple launched the iPad Pro (2022) and the iPad (2022) alongside the new Apple TV this week. We discuss the company’s latest products, along with our review of the iPhone 14 Pro on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Apple Could Release a Foldable iPhone in 2026, Will Reportedly Be Thinner, Lighter Than Competitors

Apple is said to be working on a host of foldable devices, with a clamshell foldable phone and a foldable tablet rumoured to be in the works. Earlier this week, a prominent Apple analyst claimed that a foldable MacBook would in fact be Apple’s first product in the category, going into mass production in 2027. Now, a tipster has said that the company plans to release a foldable iPhone in 2026.

According to Revegnus (@Tech_Reve), a folding iPhone would be Apple’s first foldable, with the company eyeing a release window of 2026. The new information contradicts reports from last month that claimed the company had halted development on a foldable phone over display issues.

The tipster, citing a report from Korean outlet AlphaBiz, said that Apple’s foldable phone would release in 2026. The report allegedly quotes a senior Apple official, shedding light on the iPhone maker’s plans for a folding phone. “Apple has decided to release the foldable iPhone in 2026, which is later than expected,” the official was quoted saying (translated from Korean). “As it is a later release than its competitors, we know that cutting-edge technologies will be concentrated.”

According to the report, the Apple official said that the foldable iPhone would be thinner and lighter than the competition, with a focus on preventing crease marks on the folding screen. “”In particular, the goal is to avoid the wrinkles that competitors are struggling with,” the official was quoted as saying.

While Apple has lagged behind in the foldables segment, rivals Samsung and Google already have foldable phones in the market. Samsung has released five generations of both clamshell and book-style foldable phones, while Google launched the Pixel Fold last year.  

The latest update contradicts reports from earlier this week that said that Apple’s first foldable would be 20.3-inch foldable MacBook, which would likely enter mass production in 2027. TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that a MacBook was Apple’s only foldable product with a clear development schedule at the moment. “My latest survey indicates that currently, Apple’s only foldable product with a clear development schedule is the 20.3-inch MacBook, expected to enter mass production in 2027,” Kuo said this week in a post on X.

While Apple has been rumoured to be working on an unspecified large-screen foldable, alongside folding iPhone and iPad models, a report last month had said that Apple had paused development on a foldable phone over issues with the folding display.

Apple launched the iPad Pro (2022) and the iPad (2022) alongside the new Apple TV this week. We discuss the company’s latest products, along with our review of the iPhone 14 Pro on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Apple Said to Be Working on a 20.3-Inch Foldable MacBook, Expected to Enter Production in 2027

Apple is said to be working on several foldable devices, with a clamshell foldable iPhone, a foldable iPad and an unspecified foldable product with a larger display rumoured to be in the works. New information, however, suggests that the company’s first foldable could be a MacBook. A reliable Apple analyst has claimed that the Cupertino, California-based company is working on a foldable MacBook. The update comes after Apple was said to have halted development on its foldable phone last month.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, TF Securities Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that a MacBook was Apple’s only foldable product with a clear development schedule at the moment. If true, this would put the rumoured foldable iPhone and a foldable iPad further down the pipeline. According to Kuo, the foldable Mac would sport a 20.3-inch screen and would likely enter mass production in 2027.

“Recently, I’ve received many inquiries about whether Apple plans to mass-produce the foldable iPhone or iPad in 2025 or 2026,” Kuo said in his post. “My latest survey indicates that currently, Apple’s only foldable product with a clear development schedule is the 20.3-inch MacBook, expected to enter mass production in 2027.”

The new information suggests that Apple’s foldable products are still a few years away from hitting the market. Meanwhile, Samsung, Apple’s biggest rival in the mobile space, already has five generations of its clamshell and book-style foldable phones out. Google, too, released the Pixel Fold last year and is said to be working on a second-generation device.

There are no details yet available about a purported foldable MacBook, or how the folding mechanism would be integrated into the device, considering all laptops are inherently foldables. Apple has not confirmed its plans for a foldable product. Most recently, the company launched two new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models, both powered by its in-house M3 chipset.

A report last month had said that Apple was developing a foldable device larger than an iPhone, which could suggest a foldable Mac in the works, in line with Kuo’s claim. The report had said that the large-screen foldable could arrive in the form of a notebook or a tablet.

A tipster also claimed last month that Apple had paused development on a foldable phone over issues with the folding display. But the company has been reported to be working on both a clamshell-style foldable phone and a foldable iPad, with both devices said to be in early development stage.

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Apple Temporarily Pauses Foldable Phone Development Due to Screen Testing Snag, Tipster Says

Apple is reportedly working on a new category of products – foldable smartphones and/or tablets. This suggests that the Cupertino-based tech giant is gearing up to compete against its Android peers in the segment, which has recently seen increasing competition with newer brands entering the market. Apple has not yet officially announced its entry into the segment and previous reports on the matter have also hinted that the company is still in its research and development phase and is not prepared to launch anything soon. However, the firm has now allegedly hit a snag in the process.

Weibo user Fixed Digital Focus (translated from Chinese) claims in a post that Apple purchased several foldable smartphones from competing brands for dismantling and is “speeding up the research and development” process. The tipster added that the project has now stalled owing to a screen test not offering satisfactory results. 

Since the display is one of the major aspects of a foldable device, this is likely to push the timeline of the foldable product launch. Previous leaks suggested that Apple does not have its first foldable device in the company’s mass production plans for 2024 or 2025 and may launch it either by 2026 or 2027. 

The earlier leak also suggested that Apple is working on prototypes of at least two clamshell-style foldable iPhone models which could be expected to compete against Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip handsets. Clamshell foldable models are equipped with inner displays that fold horizontally.

Apple is also said to be developing a foldable smartphone with a screen that measures between 7.6 and 8.4 inches, which is larger than the display of any foldable smartphone currently available in the market. The report noted that it could either be a foldable smartphone or a tablet. This rumoured model had also been tipped to replace the iPad Mini, which was refreshed in 2021 and carries an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD panel.

Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 alongside the Galaxy Tab S9 series and Galaxy Watch 6 series at its first Galaxy Unpacked event in South Korea. We discuss the company’s new devices and more on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Apple Tipped to be Working on a Foldable Device With a Large Display

Apple is reportedly working on a new category of products. The Cupertino-based tech giant is tipped to have a foldable device under development. Reports suggest that it could carry a larger screen compared to most foldable smartphones currently available in the market. The model has also been speculated to be comparable to the latest iPad Mini. A recent report also tipped the launch timeline of this rumoured Apple foldable device.

A report by The Elec claims that Apple is working on a foldable device, tipped to be a smartphone with a large display. The report says that the inner screen of this purported book-style foldable may measure around 7 to 8-inch, particularly anywhere between 7.6 and 8.4-inch.

If true, this device could be Apple’s first foldable smartphone or tablet. The report also claims that the Apple foldable may launch either by 2026 or 2027.

The rumoured size of the Apple foldable smartphone may replace the iPad Mini, which was refreshed in 2021 and carries an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen. This model currently starts in India at Rs. 49,900. The 2021 iPad Mini is powered by an in-house A15 Bionic chipset. It is available in storage variants of 64GB and 256GB and in Pink, Purple, Starlight, and Space Grey colour options.

An earlier report claimed that Apple is working towards upgrading the iPad Mini with an OLED display. It is also likely to feature a larger display compared to the current model. The screen of the iPad Mini, tipped to launch in 2026, could measure 8.7-inch, a good 0.4-inch bigger than the current iPad model. It is, however, still claimed to be able to retain its smallest iPad status.

Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 alongside the Galaxy Tab S9 series and Galaxy Watch 6 series at its first Galaxy Unpacked event in South Korea. We discuss the company’s new devices and more on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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