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| (Image credit: Ming-Chi Kuo / X) |
We were living in a surreal world a few short weeks ago, when Apple was expected to introduce at least two foldable gadgets by 2026. Well, what foolish youth we were, since according to a recent GSMArena story, Apple may postpone releasing a foldable device until at least 2027 and potentially even 2028.
The Apple foldable prediction was sent to us by reputable source Ming-Chi Kuo, whose leaks are typically accurate. Kuo claims that Apple has delayed the release of its first foldable device from 2026 to late 2027 or early 2028.
Apple is rumored to have been developing a 20.5-inch folding hybrid Macbook/iPad. Regarding the iPhone Flip, leaked patent documents indicate that Apple is working on a device that resembles the clamshell design of phones that are currently on the market, such the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Motorola Razr.
According to Kuo's estimate, Apple has abandoned its plans for a 20.5-inch display in favor of a hybrid with an 18.8-inch screen. According to him, "technical challenges" with the mechanical components and display are the reason for the manufacturing delay.
The iPhone Flip, which was also scheduled to launch in 2026, is not included in the article because Kuo asserts that Apple's foldable MacBook would be the company's first foldable device. Therefore, there's a good chance that any delays with that product will also delay the release of the foldable iPhone.
As far as the concept of an Apple foldable is concerned, another delay is hardly surprising. Since at least 2016, there have been speculations and stories of an iPhone Flip under various names. Since then, Apple has submitted many patent applications pertaining to folding devices, suggesting that the corporation is considering foldable technology.
Reports that the Apple foldable is postponed or maybe canceled have surfaced before this year.
We're stuck in a never-ending loop of rumors and conjecture, so we don't know what Apple wants in a foldable smartphone or why the Cupertino company's version continues being delayed. If you never step into the ring, it's difficult to create one of the greatest foldables.
Perhaps the business is attempting to break into the market by being the first to provide a creaseless display, something that other foldable manufacturers have not yet succeeded in doing. However, since their rivals, like Honor's Magic V2 and the OnePlus Open, have had years and iterations to refine their smartphones, the longer Apple waits, the more distant and superior its competitors become.