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UBS Predicts Foldable iPhone or iPad by 2021, But Skepticism Abounds
Apple will likely launch a foldable device within the next two years, analysts at investment bank UBS predict. In a research note obtained by CNBC, the analysts said the device is more likely to be an iPad than an iPhone, and they also believe it is more likely to launch in 2021 than 2020.
Emphasis should be placed on "predict," as this is likely just speculation, and proven sources like Ming-Chi Kuo or Mark Gurman have yet to report that Apple is actively developing a foldable iPhone or iPad.
That's not the only reason to be skeptical. As noted by VentureBeat's Jeremy Horwitz, folding display technology is still in its infancy, as evidenced by the troubled launch of Samsung's Galaxy Fold, which experienced serious display issues that led the device to be postponed for several months.
Apple also has a reputation for releasing thin, sleek devices, and early folding smartphones are anything but that. That doesn't mean Apple can't do it better, but 2020 or 2021 could be quite an ambitious timeframe for a foldable iPhone or iPad that upholds the company's strict industrial design standards.
Rumors of a foldable iPhone have popped up on numerous occasions over the past few years. In both 2016 and 2017, for example, it was reported that Apple was working with LG on a foldable iPhone. And in 2018, Bank of America analyst Wamsi Mohan predicted that a foldable iPhone will launch in 2020.
Apple has filed several patents for a folding iPhone, so it has at least explored the idea, but whether it happens any time soon remains up for debate.
Emphasis should be placed on "predict," as this is likely just speculation, and proven sources like Ming-Chi Kuo or Mark Gurman have yet to report that Apple is actively developing a foldable iPhone or iPad.
That's not the only reason to be skeptical. As noted by VentureBeat's Jeremy Horwitz, folding display technology is still in its infancy, as evidenced by the troubled launch of Samsung's Galaxy Fold, which experienced serious display issues that led the device to be postponed for several months.
Apple also has a reputation for releasing thin, sleek devices, and early folding smartphones are anything but that. That doesn't mean Apple can't do it better, but 2020 or 2021 could be quite an ambitious timeframe for a foldable iPhone or iPad that upholds the company's strict industrial design standards.
Rumors of a foldable iPhone have popped up on numerous occasions over the past few years. In both 2016 and 2017, for example, it was reported that Apple was working with LG on a foldable iPhone. And in 2018, Bank of America analyst Wamsi Mohan predicted that a foldable iPhone will launch in 2020.
Apple has filed several patents for a folding iPhone, so it has at least explored the idea, but whether it happens any time soon remains up for debate.
Tags: UBS, Foldable iPhone Guide
[ 103 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
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18 weeks ago
What's next? A foldable phone with a hinge and a physical keyboard on one half?
Nobody wants a bendable phone. It adds nothing. It solves nothing.
Nobody wants a bendable phone. It adds nothing. It solves nothing.
18 weeks ago
I see the appeal of folding devices. Folded you get the phone experience for using the device quickly. Unfolded you get a tablet experience for productivity or entertainment.
However, this tech is no where near ready for daily consumer use.
However, this tech is no where near ready for daily consumer use.
18 weeks ago
I don’t see a market for foldable iPhones/iPads, It just seems gimmicky with a high Price tag. I think Apples focus will be continued in the wearables segment and with AR glasses.
18 weeks ago
What's gonna be hilarious.......
Apple release this phone and all the naysayers in this and other threads start gushing about how wonderful it is.
Apple release this phone and all the naysayers in this and other threads start gushing about how wonderful it is.
18 weeks ago
I see the appeal of folding devices. Folded you get the phone experience for using the device quickly. Unfolded you get a tablet experience for productivity or entertainment.
However, this tech is no where near ready for daily consumer use.
Anyone who doesn’t think the surfing the web, reading News, watching video, gaming wouldn’t be better experiences on a larger screen AND those are the main uses of smartphones these days, just aren’t being honest. But yes, unless Apple has a supplier in super stealth, 2021 seems early.
18 weeks ago
What's next? A foldable phone with a hinge and a physical keyboard on one half?
Nobody wants a bendable phone. It adds nothing. It solves nothing.
What a silly comment...
I'd love one, why you ask: I'd love the idea of not having to bring my MacBook or iPad on vacation to do some photo editing of the photos I've just taken there.
The problem: I don't want to bring another device because I need a bigger screen.
The solution: A foldable iPhone that works as a regular iPhone but also give me that bigger screen real estate when I need it.
How does this solve nothing?!
Why do you naysayers always think you're speaking for everyone when you don't like the idea of something?
And getting a few likes on your comments really doesn't mean anything, it's just this toxic community on this website that likes to reinforce their simple-mindedness by liking each others' comments.
Yeah, the Samsung one sucked and we'll see if they have improved it. But Apple is taking their time and is trying to make a product we actually want to use. So why the f are you so against that? It's simple, if you don't like it, don't buy it. Why waste your time by giving attention to something you don't want before it's even announced?
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