Apple Working on Clamshell-Style Foldable iPhone Prototypes, Folding iPad: Report

Apple’s The first mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro, was made available in the US earlier this month. The rumor mill is now buzzing with details about the company’s long-rumored foldable iPhone. The Cupertino-based tech giant is reportedly developing “at least two” iPhone prototypes that fold horizontally. The upcoming handsets may have direct competition. Galaxy Z Flip 5. However, it is unclear whether foldable phones will go into mass production in the next few years.

Oh Reports The Information, citing an insider, claims that Apple is making prototypes of at least two clamshell-style foldable iPhone models. Samsung’s The Galaxy Z Flip devices have a similar display form factor that allows the screens to be folded horizontally. The foldable devices appear to be in the early development stage, and are reportedly not in the company’s mass production plans for 2024 or 2025.

Apple is eyeing a foldable iPhone with displays on the outside of the device that are visible when the device is folded, but engineers reportedly struggled with the design because it could easily break. Additionally, the company’s engineers want to create a foldable that is “as thin as current iPhone models,” but the battery size and display components add to the thickness of the device, according to the report. Apple 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 expected to be similar in size to the current generation iPad Mini with an 8-inch display. Apple engineers are reportedly working to reduce the crease that appears in the center of the display. They are also said to be in the process of developing a hinge that allows the display to lie flat when displayed.

Apple has not announced any plans to unveil an iPhone or iPad with a foldable display. Samsung currently dominates the foldable smartphone space with at least five iterations of foldable handsets. Chinese electronics manufacturers OnePlus, Xiaomi, Vivo and Oppo have also launched foldable smartphones. There is certainly room for Apple to challenge the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, Oppo Find N3 FlipAnd Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G With the rumored clamshell iPhone

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