Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone next year. Unofficially named the iPhone Fold or iPhone 18 Fold, the phone is expected to resemble Fold-type devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, although the aspect ratio of Apple’s model may be different. A new report from Korean media outlet ETNews indicates that Apple may also be working on a Flip-like foldable device, which is expected to arrive in 2028.
The iPhone Flip model will be similar to Apple’s 20th anniversary iPhone, expected in 2027. Apple may market this model as the iPhone 20 rather than include it in the iPhone 19 series, expected in 2027, similar to 2017. 10th anniversary iPhone X. Product names won’t be official until Apple announces them, and the iPhone Flip 20 is expected to feature several key innovations. Kim Ki-hyun, director of market research firm Stone Partners, attended ETNews’ Tech Summit event and mentioned what technologies Apple is developing for the two iPhones.
Kim also predicted that Apple will bring OLED panels to more tablets, starting with the iPad mini and MacBook Pro in 2026, and the iPad Air in 2027. and MacBook Air after 2028 The first foldable iPad is believed to have been delayed until 2029. The device will have an LTPO+ display.
Read more: Why the Apple logo bites: debunking the most famous theory
Key innovations in iPhone 20 display technology
A person using an iPhone outside of an Apple retail store. —Cheng Xin/Getty Images
Kim said that in 2027 Apple will introduce several key display technologies with the iPhone 20 model: LTPO+ OLED panels, four-sided band display technology, color filter on capsule (COE), underdisplay sensor (UDIR) and the so-called “crater” display brightness technology. LTPO+ is a technology that improves on the current iPhone 17 series LTPO panels, which Apple first used in this year’s Apple Watch models, reducing costs.
COE helps vendors remove the polarizer from the smartphone screen to reduce its thickness. It also improves efficiency. UDIR is a technology that allows Apple to move Face ID components under the display to reduce the size of the Dynamic Island cutout. The four-sided band display technology means bezel-less displays that are achieved by bending all four sides of the screen. Previous iPhone 20 reports also claim that the next anniversary iPhone will have a display that bends on all sides.
The “crater” technology that Kim mentioned may be the most enigmatic of the four. ETNews explains that the crater technology is a display innovation that helps smartphone vendors eliminate the difference in brightness between the center and periphery of an OLED panel.
The first foldable iPhone Flip will appear in 2028
Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 foldable phones in hand. – Framesira/Shutterstock.
The director of Stone Partners said that in 2028 Apple is set to diversify its foldable phone portfolio with the launch of the first iPhone Flip model. The clamshell phone will follow next year’s iPhone Fold version. Kim mentioned several technologies coming to 2028 foldable devices, including innovations that are already in current phones (LTPO OLED panels) or coming soon (COE). However, he also listed the technology breakthroughs that Apple is working on, including CPM, Clear OC, Under-Display Camera (UDC) and Glass Mid-Frame (GMF).
ETNews explains that CPM and Clear OC are display technologies that help improve throughput. GMF is a hinge-related technology that is supposed to eliminate screen wrinkles. Speaking of UDC technology, Apple has been rumored for years to place the iPhone’s selfie camera under the display. These plans are ongoing and have never been linked to foldable iPhones. If Kim’s predictions come true, the iPhone 20 and the first foldable iPhone could be the first models with sensors under the screen. Face ID will be placed under the display in 2027, and the iPhone Flip will have an under-display selfie camera.
Liked this article? Sign up for BGR’s free newsletter and add us as your preferred source for the latest tech and entertainment, as well as tips and advice you’ll actually use.
Read the original article on BGR.