Recognition: David Imel / Android Authority
- According to reports, Apple plans to launch a foldable iPhone with an 8-inch QHD + screen.
- The company is expected to deliver up to 20 million units by 2023.
- Apple should use a touch solution for multiple devices.
We’ve heard for months that Apple is working hard on a foldable iPhone, following in the footsteps of Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi. Now an experienced Apple observer has worked out some more details about Apple’s device.
Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at TF Securities, quoted investors (h / t: MacRumors) that Apple “will likely launch a foldable” iPhone “with an 8-inch QHD + flexible OLED display in 2023.” The analyst adds that Apple will ship between 15 and 20 million foldable iPhones in 2023.
For comparison: Korea Yonhap news Previously it was reported that Samsung plans to produce 800,000 Galaxy Z Fold 2 devices in 2020. Granted, Samsung is an early adopter of foldable phones and launched the Z Fold 2 all-in on tech in the second half of 2020.
The analyst also assumes that Apple will introduce a so-called “Silver Nanowire Touch solution” for its foldable iPhone. This solution is believed to be superior to other touch solutions as it supports multiple folds and potentially opens the door to foldable phones that fold twice or more. Kuo claims that Apple is already using the silver nanowire solution in the touch surface of its HomePod to gain experience with the technology.
Aside from the 8-inch screen size, there was no specific indication of the actual form factor. This size largely corresponds to the retractable screens like the Huawei Mate X2 and the Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold, which perhaps gives us a hint of Apple’s intentions.
This isn’t the only foldable news related to Apple in recent times, as the company filed a patent for a self-healing foldable screen last year. Foldable screens are far more prone to scratches compared to traditional phone displays. The ability to heal scratches and the like gives users a degree of security.
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