reportedly has
a dual-screen
design that
comes together
to form a single
screen, while
the other opens
vertically like the
Galaxy Z Flip.
The report
says that Apple
is testing both
models at its
Foxconn factory
in Shenzhen
to gauge the
durability of the hinge. The hinge
has been something of a pain point
in early foldable phones, with
Samsung delaying the launch of the
original Galaxy Fold due to reliable
issues and the Razr falling short of
Motorola’s claims. Both companies
focused on improving the hinge
with successor models.
It’s likely that these iPhone
prototypes will look very little like
the final product. Apple is known to
test prototypes of products in dummy
cases to limit leaks, and the Economic
Daily News cautions that the models
being tested are not working phones.
But still, it’s exciting. I’ve tested
several folding phones and while the
technology is still in its infancy, it’s
quite cool. Folding phones could be as
transformative as the first smartphones
if someone gets it right, and Apple
could very well be the company to
do it. Early issues like the gap when
closed, a visible crease in the centre of
the screen, and a jumbled interface are
all things Apple could fix by the time it
brings a folding phone to market.
The Economic Daily News estimates
that the first folding iPhone won’t
launch until at least 2022s.Apple is said to be testing the hinge on two new iPhone prototypes,
including one that folds like the Galaxy Z Flip shown here.