Other Still no foldable iPhone in 2022?

[Miha_v]

Foldable phone is a great thing (in theory), but I think technology is not there yet (to bring an overall satisfying experience). And I think that is the main reason, Apple hasn't even said anything about it so far. They are probably prototyping it for a while now and will only release it, if they conclude it's a great product.

Foldable phones have been on the market for years now and even after a bunch of iterations, they still have issues (especially long-term usage). Early adopters aside, there is no mass interest for something that kinda semi-works (and is also way more expensive).

I personally really miss compact size phones (easy to slip in the pocket). Combination of that and bigger screen when unfolded sounds great. When/if Apple delivers a good solution here, I think it will become the next hot thing on the market.

 

[Jackbequickly]

As “picky” as Apple users are, Apple likely decided to skip the folded screen thing or at least delayed until the technology is better. I have played with my friends Z fold Samsung and it looks good but have no idea how long it would last before you started seeing some defects.

 

[ian87w]

As “picky” as Apple users are, Apple likely decided to skip the folded screen thing or at least delayed until the technology is better. I have played with my friends Z fold Samsung and it looks good but have no idea how long it would last before you started seeing some defects.

So far, I don't really see any of them lasting more than a year unscathed. Either the user upgraded within a year, or they have had warranty replacement. Samsung keeps offering pretty good trade ins to push people to upgrade on a yearly basis that we might not really see any long durability data.

Even if Apple would adopt some sort of foldable tech, I would see it on an iPad first (no IP rating needed, easier to engineer). The iPhone is Apple's main cash cow that it is too risky to have the brand using a tech that is not yet reliable. Apple had to learn the hard way a couple times already, like using aluminum resulting in bendgate. They would be quite conservative with the iPhones (eg. going back and paid Qualcomm to use their modem, not using high megapixel cameras until the 14 Pro, etc).

 

[calstanford]

Apple needs about 3-5 years to copy Android phones usually. So right now we'll only be getting the pinhole cameras from 2018-19 (not the under screen ones from 2021). We haven't gotten the under-screen touch ID yet (though that's been rumored for years) but we will be getting the 48MP cameras from 2019. The folding will be more likely 5 yrs late rather than 3-4.

 

[1@@@]

Apple needs about 3-5 years to copy Android phones usually. So right now we'll only be getting the pinhole cameras from 2018-19 (not the under screen ones from 2021). We haven't gotten the under-screen touch ID yet (though that's been rumored for years) but we will be getting the 48MP cameras from 2019. The folding will be more likely 5 yrs late rather than 3-4.

Eh, easy to be first to implement something, if you don't care whether or not the implementation is good.

 

[Ludatyk]

Unless someone have invented a foldable glass screen without crease line, I have absolute no interest on having a foldable.

I can stand by this... since conditions need to be met. But for users to claim "I have no interest," then when Apple releases it. The reaction would be "take my money."

People are already up in arms with iPhone screen durability that Apple keeps improving it until they got to gorilla victus/ceramic shield. Why would Apple then use a fragile plastic foldable screen that will be worn and crack by a year or two? (yeah, ask those youtubers claiming they are using foldables fulltime, they either keep upgrading yearly or have replacement within a year or so).

I never blindly follow advice for youtubers I use them as information pieces or research on a given product. But I prefer to experience the product myself and go from there.

And Youtubers tend to upgrade yearly or whenever a flagship arrives... they bounce around phones whereas the average buyer keeps phones for years. The only fairly prominent Youtuber that someone can get an understanding of how foldables are in real life is MrMobile. He uses a flip and foldable, one he uses on weekends and another weekdays.

That’s not what happened at all, I was there.
By 2014, Apple’s refusal to adopt bigger form factors in their phones was a heavy line of criticism from everyone.
That was actually an example of the market speaking an apple being forced to follow.
Apple wanted the 4 inch display to remain.
Customers were moving to other products, and there was plenty of demand for Apple to make bigger screens.
Apple said no.
Customers continued to complain.

And this is where I disagree. I was there as well... it was a mixed bag. Some wanted larger screens... however, majority preferred smaller screens due to the one-handed use. If there a poll at the time... people favored smaller screens. And it was one of those things were people had to see it to find out how incredibly useful it was.

The Verge recently did piece on the 6.1 being the sweet spot and looking at the top comment.

I was looking through my old Facebook posts, and back in 2012 I wrote "Do any of us really need or want a 4.5 inch screen? Can you even reach all of that?"

Ah, sweet summer child

It's one of those Revisionist History that Gladwell can research because during that phase smaller screens were a thing.

 

[ian87w]

The only fairly prominent Youtuber that someone can get an understanding of how foldables are in real life is MrMobile. He uses a flip and foldable, one he uses on weekends and another weekdays.

And I believe he already had his for warranty replacement of either the screen broken or peeling or something (I forgot, but he did make a video about it). The reliability of these things are still suspect. We don't know the reliability of the Chinese foldables as most of them are not readily available globally.

 

[slplss]

I cannot even imagine how much would it cost 😬.

 

[webkit]

There have been a variety of articles on here and elsewhere about Apple working on a foldable iPhone but if it does happen, it won't likely reach the market before 2024 or 2025.

 

[Bogstandard]

Folding phone?? Hello 1990's.
(Big wheel tricycle tech, imo.)

I want a device less than 5mm thick by 7 cm wide, with a screen that wraps around my wrist and is flexible in a continuous arc, for voluntary removal by me alone.

 

[Ludatyk]

And I believe he already had his for warranty replacement of either the screen broken or peeling or something (I forgot, but he did make a video about it). The reliability of these things are still suspect. We don't know the reliability of the Chinese foldables as most of them are not readily available globally.

Yeah, I seen the video about it. He went through the whole process of returning it and getting a replacement. The process was fairly smooth, but that’s coming from a popular YouTuber… so gotta take into consideration. There’s plenty of stories that didn’t go as smoothly as MrMobile.

But you‘re durability claims are valid, these things are not perfect compared to a slab phone. And I totally understand foldables are not for everyone, but we are in the stage where it seems the iPhone has peaked to some degree. I think the only major problem Apple need to solve is the front camera and once that’s done. What other problems are there to solve?

 

[ian87w]

Yeah, I seen the video about it. He went through the whole process of returning it and getting a replacement. The process was fairly smooth, but that’s coming from a popular YouTuber… so gotta take into consideration. There’s plenty of stories that didn’t go as smoothly as MrMobile.

But you‘re durability claims are valid, these things are not perfect compared to a slab phone. And I totally understand foldables are not for everyone, but we are in the stage where it seems the iPhone has peaked to some degree. I think the only major problem Apple need to solve is the front camera and once that’s done. What other problems are there to solve?

Yup, I agree. That's also why I had made a thread about peak smartphone in this forum a while back. I mean look at Android. The tent pole feature for Android 13, and 12, were basically just themes. It shows the maturity of the platform if changing themes of your phone is the tent pole feature for 2 years straight.

I think Apple will rely more and more on software to differentiate newer models, by restricting features to the latest model only. It will be interesting if there are iOS16 features that are exclusive to the iPhone 14 series (disregarding how the 14 and the 13 Pro have the same chip).

 

[Ludatyk]

The tent pole feature for Android 13, and 12, were basically just themes. It shows the maturity of the platform if changing themes of your phone is the tent pole feature for 2 years straight.

That’s why I think Google next move is to push for foldables given the release of Android 12L (they are coming out with a tablet along with a foldable) and Microsoft has decided to not release a new Duo… but try to refine the software.

Speaking of the Duo… I think that would be the best solution for a foldable, but Microsoft software execution is lacking.

I think Apple will rely more and more on software to differentiate newer models, by restricting features to the latest model only. It will be interesting if there are iOS16 features that are exclusive to the iPhone 14 series (disregarding how the 14 and the 13 Pro have the same chip).

But that’s always been the ball game… especially with camera upgrades (since this particular area is where consumers focus more on).

The end goal for the iPhone is a sheet of glass and no visible signs of a front camera along with no ports, but it’s going to take quite a bit of time for Apple to reach that goal and I don’t see them being in a rush. However, in the mean time… it’s going to be tough for Apple to push consumers to upgrade to the latest and greatest going forward.

But then again… Apple’s Marketing is the best.

 

[cthompson94]

I don't think Apple will do a foldable at least until a water and dust rating can be accomplished. I actually had the fold 4 on preorder as I wanted to finally test out some new tech (as my first folding phone) but then I had a hit of realization that I have a toddler and I leave near the beach and take my toddler often to the beach and the Fold 4 is only rated for water (small amounts) but no dust and sand would be the phone killer. I cancelled my preorder, because I do not want to keep swapping sims to go to the beach and I am not going without a phone in case of an emergency. This little problem would keep a lot of people hesitant about a folding device especially with no rating to fall back onto and use as a defense if something happened.

 

[arian71]

Apple tried in the past with iphone 6 plus and failed, you had to fold with a little of force

 

[Jackbequickly]

So far, I don't really see any of them lasting more than a year unscathed. Either the user upgraded within a year, or they have had warranty replacement. Samsung keeps offering pretty good trade ins to push people to upgrade on a yearly basis that we might not really see any long durability data.

Even if Apple would adopt some sort of foldable tech, I would see it on an iPad first (no IP rating needed, easier to engineer). The iPhone is Apple's main cash cow that it is too risky to have the brand using a tech that is not yet reliable. Apple had to learn the hard way a couple times already, like using aluminum resulting in bendgate. They would be quite conservative with the iPhones (eg. going back and paid Qualcomm to use their modem, not using high megapixel cameras until the 14 Pro, etc).

‘I would not mind seeing Apple introduce a device with two screens mounted very close together with small hinge, but a folding screen . . . just worried about it’s lifetime.

 

[VuvuzelaiPhone]

Just go straight for the implants.

 

[Cryates]

My body and wallet are ready for the iPhlip and iPhold.

 

[TechRunner]

On my third day now with the Flip 4, and it’s a great device. But I harbor no illusions about its durability. I went into the purchase knowing that folding screens are not a mature technology. I was curious about the phone, because I wanted a smaller device but not necessarily a smaller screen, and this ticked off both boxes. This is strictly an experiment and if it fails for me, back to a glass slab I go.

 

[TechRunner]

Samsung keeps offering pretty good trade ins to push people to upgrade on a yearly basis that we might not really see any long durability data.

This is an important point. As the technology matures, and if I continue to like the device, my upgrade cycle will probably shorten to take advantage of changes leading to greater durability, camera and battery, tech, etc. I’m sure others feel the same way, so you’re right in that it might take some time before any long term durability data is available.

 

[The Game 161]

I think apple are testing it but won’t do it until They think it’s perfect in all areas. Screen with no crease, no risk for defects and get the volume high enough.

who knows apple may be focusing on VR instead

 

[TEG]

There is no "good" foldable technology. The foldable phones are a gimmick only. I do not want a foldable phone. Been there, done that, don't want it again.

 

[Jumpthesnark]

Not interested in the least. Of all the things I want from a phone, the very least is "but can they make it half as long and twice as thick, with a crease across the middle of the screen?"

On the day that display technology has a breakthrough that allows the creation of a rollable reader that connects to an iTunes Music Store-like app allowing us to subscribe to any publication we want, or pay them for just one story rather than worrying about paywalls, sign me up. That could change the economy of newspapers and magazines the way iTunes did for digital music.

But a foldable phone? No.

 

[blairh]

With the introduction of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 which is the second generation of its foldable phone, no foldable iPhone is released up to now. I feel a bit disappointed. Anyone has the same feeling?

Folding smartphones are the future. China has some killer models. I’m not a fan of the Fold 4 but I think the Fold 5 has potential.

The folding iPhone is coming and will be a game changer. But don’t expect it before 2025.

 

[wolfedude88]

I will get it day 1. I used a fold 2 when it came out for two weeks. I really really liked it, and they've made some pretty good improvements to it since then. I don't think android is bad, I use to switch back n forth, but about 8 years ago when we had our first child I started to limit myself to only one phone a year. So I went with the iPhone, and with all of my immediate family on iPhones as well it is hard for me to switch to an android phone.

So an iOS device that is a foldable would be amazing to me!!

For a lot of people that don't want one, then you will hopefully be able to stick with a regular iPhone, but I will buy the foldable day one and I'm sure a lot of others will too.