Apple’s first foldable device will not be an iPhone, according to a new report from DigiTimes. Citing sources within Apple’s supply chain, DigiTimes suggests Apple is developing a foldable “larger device,” likely an iPad.
The report corroborates rumors that Apple has been working on foldable display technology for over 5 years across departments. While a foldable iPhone has been widely speculated, Apple appears to be prioritizing folding technology for bigger-screened devices.
Supply chain sources claim Apple has advanced from initial design concepts to trial production phases in its foldable product roadmap. But the company has taken a slow approach to allow the foldable hinge technology to mature after durability issues faced by brands like Samsung on early foldable smartphones.
The emphasis on creating a larger foldable iPad aligns with Apple’s efforts to bring foldable display engineers from their Mac and iPhone teams over to the iPad department. The company requires strict durability standards before moving innovations into mass production.
Still, sources say Apple likely won’t launch its first foldable hardware until 2025 at the earliest after years of product testing and development. Prior reports indicated suppliers have struggled to meet Apple’s requirements on part quality and yields.
While unconfirmed, industry insiders view Apple’s foldable iPad plans as the first of the company’s new device categories to feature foldable OLED display panels. The move would allow Apple to achieve a competitive edge against tablet makers like Samsung.
Some market analysts remain skeptical of definitive launch timelines for Apple’s foldable products given the company’s tendency to iteratively improve technologies like the hinge mechanism before release. But with ever-increasing competition in the foldable space, Apple faces mounting pressure to unveil its own flexible display innovations.
