For several months, rumors have indicated that Apple is working on a foldable iPhone. But the Cupertino company would have suddenly interrupted its development. In question ? Durability issues with the screen.
In any case, this is what Fixed Focus Digital, a widely followed account on the Chinese social network Weibo, says. According to him, Apple suspended development of its foldable model after testing the durability of the screens of existing foldable phones and finding that they did not meet its own standards.
As part of its research, Apple allegedly used competing products, notably Samsung. But the Apple brand came to the conclusion that their screens were too fragile: during the construction of a prototype, a screen broke during durability tests, putting a brake on the project. The screen would have been manufactured by Samsung or LG.
A new form factor for Apple
Apple could thus suspend the development of its foldable smartphone model until it has screens that meet its quality standards – apparently very high. Some are already predicting that Apple could launch a foldable iPad before tackling the iPhone – because it would be less difficult to develop.
But this is not everyone’s opinion. “Apple has been in contact with display makers since the beginning of the year to discuss in depth the development of a foldable flip phone such as the Galaxy Z Flip,” a Korean industry insider said, adding : “The date for completion of the development is 2026.”
Of course, since the foldable iPhone is a new form factor for Apple, the testing criteria for the various elements are very demanding.
For example, in addition to the screens that will be used in the foldable iPhone, Apple is also testing one of its key components, the Apple Pencil. Unlike the usual 20 to 50 cm drop tests, Apple requires the Pencil to fall from a height of one meter, which poses design problems, according to industry sources.
Source: ZDNet Korea