Revealing the reason why Apple paused the foldable iPhone project

MacRumors quoted Fix Focus Digital, a popular tech blogger on Weibo in China, saying that Apple has been testing foldable phones in research and development since 2016.

foldable iphone.png — Foldable screen iPhone project has been suspended due to Apple's strict requirements not being met by partners.

At least one of the devices uses a screen manufactured by Samsung. Samsung is currently the main supplier of display panels for Apple devices. The Korean display maker is also said to continue to supply screens for Apple's future foldable devices.

A recent report also revealed that Samsung is trying to improve the performance of foldable displays, using its years of experience in making such displays, to get ahead of Apple's first foldable products.

However, newly leaked news says that the latest foldable display panel failed during Apple's rigorous internal testing process.

This has forced Apple to pause the entire foldable device project, at least until the partner's screen can meet Apple's standards.

A report from The Information earlier this month claimed that Apple has built at least two foldable iPhone prototypes after more than five years of research and development.

These two iPhone prototypes have a clamshell folding design, but it is not on Apple's roadmap for new product introductions in 2024 and 2025. The report further notes that the foldable iPhones could still be canceled if they do not meet Apple's strict standards.

It’s also unclear whether the announcement of the project’s cancellation will affect Apple’s continued development of the foldable iPad. Some previous reports have suggested that Apple is eyeing a larger device than the foldable iPhone because it wouldn’t need to meet the same high durability requirements as the ‌iPhone‌.

Earlier this month, information from Korea's The Elec said that Apple is apparently considering launching its first foldable screen device in the next few years with a size of 7 to 8 inches to replace the 8.3-inch iPad mini. The timeframe for this device is being considered by Apple to launch this device is between 2026 and 2027.

Additionally, Apple is also said to be working on a 20.5-inch foldable display product, which is expected to launch later than the 7- to 8-inch device.

CEO Tim Cook first talked to his engineers and designers about a foldable iPhone years ago. Apple is still weighing the technical issues and the high price tag. Current prices for direct competitors like Samsung's foldable smartphones range from $1,000 to nearly $2,000, so it's likely that Apple's first foldable iPhone will cost between $1,100 and $2,000.

Here's a concept of Apple's foldable iPhone (Source: 4RMD/YouTube):

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