Foldable iPhone: Samsung Display Tech, Release Date, and Design Leaks
The much-anticipated foldable iPhone is generating buzz, with new reports suggesting a groundbreaking display technology developed by Samsung. This could redefine industry standards for foldable devices. What can we expect from Apple's entry into the foldable market?
According to a source on the Korean Naver blog, yeux1122, Apple's foldable iPhone will boast a custom display process, trademarked by Apple, that exceeds current industry benchmarks for thinness, power efficiency, and brightness. Samsung's apparent breakthrough involves integrating the touch sensor directly into the display panel, potentially reducing thickness by around 19% compared to existing Galaxy Z Fold components. This advancement promises a lighter and more structurally sound device.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo anticipates a book-style design featuring a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display, coupled with two rear cameras, one front camera, a Touch ID power button, and a high-density battery. He projects a thickness of 4.5mm when unfolded and 9mm to 9.5mm when folded.
The key innovation seems to be the shift from on-cell touch technology, used in Samsung's current foldables, to in-cell touch – Apple's standard for its iPhones. This integration within the display's TFT layer offers reduced thickness, faster response times, and eliminates lamination gaps. Achieving this on a foldable OLED screen poses significant engineering challenges due to the mechanical stress at the hinge.
The display is described as a "bar-type" design, suggesting a virtually seamless appearance when unfolded, without the visible crease or hinge gap common in other foldable devices. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman corroborates this, stating the foldable iPhone will have a "nearly invisible" crease.
Interestingly, reports suggest Samsung's efforts to reduce the thickness of the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 are driven by Apple's manufacturing requirements as a display supplier. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is rumored to have a folded thickness of 9.5mm (including the camera bump) and an unfolded thickness of 4.5mm.
Other iPhone Rumors:- Launch Schedule Shakeup: Apple may move to a bi-annual release schedule, launching Pro models in the fall and standard iPhones in the spring, starting in 2026. This is possibly for the new models including foldable iPhones.
- 20th Anniversary iPhone: At least one new iPhone model launching in 2027 will have a edge-to-edge display. The device's front camera and Face ID system would both be placed under the screen.
- iPhone 17 Air Battery Life: The iPhone 17 Air may feature "worse" battery life, potentially prompting Apple to release an optional battery case.
The new display technology also reportedly delivers enhanced color reproduction and brightness. The first foldable iPhone is expected next year with a premium price tag exceeding $2,000.
With competition intensifying, and Apple reportedly planning for 2 releases a year, how will the foldable iPhone disrupt the market? What are your thoughts on the potential design and features? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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