Apple has reportedly started early development of at least two foldable iPhone models believed to employ a sideways clamshell opening mechanism rather than a vertical book-style fold. The test prototypes signal tentative forays assessing form factors beyond slabs amid rising competition.
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As per The Information citing insider sources, mass production plans remain unconfirmed for 2024 or even 2025 underscoring tentative explorations given monumental design and durability barriers that foldables still grapple with including display creasing.
Seeking Innovation Impetus as Volumes Slow
In its latest quarterly earnings call, Apple revealed slowing iPhone volumes growth down to 6% year-on-year while revenues from iPads dropped nearly 25%. This comes after a blockbuster 2022 where flagship smartphones crossed 10 million shipments in India for the first time.
The slowdown after years of booming sales necessitates exploring next-generation use cases and form factors to inject fresh vigor in the maturing smartphone space where competition remains cut-throat. However, foldable practicality at Apple’s quality thresholds still seem distant despite supply chain feelers.
Samsung and Google Struggle on Durability
Market pioneer Samsung itself has refrained from upgrading its vertically-folding Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold models in India for two generations now as sales shrank after initial enthusiasm. Google also postponed its inaugural Pixel Fold over half a year with December 2023 launch now anticipated.
With multiple displaced display parts mechanically interacting in ultra-thin bodies, durability, fatigue and real-world dust/water resistance remain unsolved holy grails still unless radically new technologies or materials emerge from R&D labs.
Hence analysts feel Apple would bide further time rather than rush in with half-baked solutions merely responding competitor pressures. But supply chain signals hint it’s keeping innovative future options open for its next defining inflection point.
