 "Apple working on a new kind of foldable device that is bigger than the iPhone, likely to be an iPad")
Apple is actively working on developing a new kind of foldable device that diverges from what has become the conventional foldable smartphone form factor.
Citing sources within the Taiwan-based supply chain, a report from DigiTimes claims that Apple’s envisioned foldable could take the shape of either a notebook or a tablet. This is in line with the previous rumours that Apple may be working on a foldable iPad, before they get into a foldable iPhone.
While speculation has been rife for some time that Apple is planning to foray into foldables, recent reports now indicate that there has been some tangible progress in this direction. The Cupertino-based tech giant has dedicated significant resources to this project for the last five years. Design-related decisions will soon be finalised, after which, Apple will start manufacturing the device in one of its most advanced factories in China, the report claims.
Contrary to the expectations of analysts and Apple’s ardent fans of a foldable iPhone, a report from MacRumors had earlier suggested that Apple’s focus lies on a “larger device,” most likely an iPad, hinting at a departure from the conventional handset model.
Engineers from the Vision Pro team are spearheading the development of the foldable device, if reports are to be believed. The Vision Pro Team has been tasked with designing one of the most crucial components of the device — the hinge — and exploring if adding a unique functionality to it is feasible.
Given the level of anticipation surrounding Apple’s potential entry into the foldable market segment, comparisons with established players such as Samsung, Oppo, Google, Huawei, and Xiaomi come up naturally. All of these device makers had already introduced foldable offerings a few years ago. However, given where Apple stands today with the design of its upcoming foldable, a prospective launch of Apple’s foldable device is unlikely to materialise before 2025.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsRecent claims by Chinese tipster ‘Fixed Focus Digital’ suggest a setback in Apple’s foldable endeavours. The issue, the tipster claims is that that Apple had to suspend the development of the foldable because it wasn’t satisfied with the kind of display that they were getting, as it was consistently giving unsatisfactory results in their testing.
Fixed Focus Digital’s report further insinuated that Apple has been procuring foldable smartphones from their Android rivals en masse, and has been dismantling them purportedly to expedite its own research and development. However, considering this report heavily relies on unverified sources, it should be taken with a grain of salt.
Conflicting reports have disputed Fixed Focus Digital’s report, confirmation that Apple’s foldable ambitions remain unabated, with ongoing efforts across multiple product variants under distinct development teams.
Despite these developments, Apple has yet to officially confirm or even acknowledge any plans for a foldable device, leaving enthusiasts and industry observers eagerly waiting for further updates.
(With inputs from agencies)
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