Latest news with #iPhoneFlip
Tom's Guide
15-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
The iPhone Fold needs to break this Steve Jobs commandment if it wants to succeed
Whether you want to call it iPhone Flip, iPhone Fold, or something else entirely, there's no denying the fact that the upcoming foldable iPhone is going to be unlike any other Apple smartphone. If rumors are to be believed, it may even have more in common with an iPad Pro than an iPhone 16. Which is why Apple needs to ditch one of the key iPhone commandments Steve Jobs laid out in 2007 during the original iPhone's launch event. "Nobody wants a stylus," claimed Jobs. "If you see a stylus, they blew it," he added in 2010. Obviously things turned out differently with the iPad and Apple Pencil, and Apple certainly "blew it" — as many Apple detractors like to point out. But true to Jobs' vision, Apple has never offered a stylus for the iPhone. That needs to change when the iPhone Fold arrives. The prospect of adding a stylus to an iPhone could prove controversial. Partly because of Jobs' own attitudes to them, and the fact iPhones have managed without needing one for 18 years now. But the iPhone Flip can't be seen as a regular phone. We don't know a lot about the iPhone Flip's specs right now, but we do know that it's almost certainly going to be a book-style foldable — with a similar look to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Or, in other words, a large folding screen that's hidden in an ordinary-sized phone. If other foldables are anything to go by, that screen will be somewhere around 8-inches. Maybe a little less, but that would still mean the screen is firmly out of typical smartphone territory — and muscling in on tablet country. Which would make the iPhone Flip more like an iPad than a phone. Size may not be the only way to differentiate between iPads and iPhones, but it is the big one. And while 7.5- to 8-inches is smaller than all the iPads Apple currently makes, there's precedent for similar-sized screens to bear the iPad name, like the 7.9-inch iPad mini 5 and its predecessors. It may be able to make phone calls, and run on iOS, but if it looks like a tablet and quacks like one too, then it sounds a lot like an iPad to me. And it would be weird for Apple to release anything iPad-adjacent without some kind of Pencil support. The selling point of Apple iPhones and iPads is the touchscreen. In the years before the first iPhone's launch, the majority of touchscreens were mediocre, to say the least. They weren't very responsive and struggled with accuracy, so a stylus was probably the best way to get anything done. For general everyday control, there's nothing that beats the touchscreen. Even voice controls aren't really at that stage, especially when Siri is involved. But there are cases when a stylus can be a very useful accessory to have. Optional, of course, but still useful. Having such a big screen would be a waste if you weren't able to take advantage of it in some way. There's only so much streaming and reading you can do before that iPad starts to feel a little stale. Those big screens can be utilized in so many different ways compared to the relatively-cramped iPhone displays. You have room for creating artwork, multitasking, and a device suitable for hand-writing. I'll admit, I much prefer handwriting to typing and the opportunity to do that digitally has always appealed — hence why I ended up with an iPad. A stylus can offer an extra level of precision that you just can't get with a finger or thumb. It doesn't matter how good your touchscreen technology is, no amount of upgrading can change the fact the input is essentially a blunt blob of human being. Even if you're not interested in writing or art, the guaranteed precision of a stylus tip means anytime you need fine control over the contents of your screen you have it. And the bigger the screen, the more you have to try and control. I get that Steve Jobs didn't want anything to do with styluses back in 2007, since Apple had to showcase how good the iPhone's touchscreen was, but times have changed. Whether Apple wants to add stylus support to non-folding iPhones or not, the iPhone Flip is the perfect opportunity to break with tradition. Not only is it basically an iPad, thanks to the larger display, it would give the phone a lot more utility. What's the point in having an iPad that you can fit in your pocket if it can't do all that an iPad can?
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
iPhone Fold invisible crease sounds great — but this is the feature Apple can't afford to ignore
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Whether it ends up being called the iPhone Flip or iPhone Fold, or something else entirely different from the rumors, there's clearly a lot at stake with Apple's presumably first foldable iPhone. There's still a long road ahead before its debut, and while the latest leaks indicate Apple's investing heavily into a "nearly invisible" crease, I really hope it's putting in the same amount of resources to build out another, equally important feature. I'm referring to how it would handle the task of multitasking, which I think is critical for any notebook-style foldable phone. On one hand, Apple could simply replicate how it does multitasking on its iPads. But after seeing what its competition has achieved, Apple can't afford to ignore developing an entirely new system that makes more sense for an iPhone. Apple has the reputation of going after perfection, which I hope Apple pours into crafting a multitasking experience that not only rivals, but surpasses what we've seen. Beauty isn't just on the surface, it's found deeper and it's a chance to fundamentally refine how people interact with a foldable. Before I get into the details around what the iPhone Fold needs to do with multitasking, I just want to share my thoughts around the crease in today's best foldable phones. Every single one of them has a visible crease to some degree, but it doesn't deter me from using them. Obviously, wear and tear will cause the crease to become more apparent over time, but I barely notice it once I turn on the display. What I'm trying to say is that a crease doesn't impact the way I interact with the display on my Galaxy Z Fold 6, both aesthetically on how it looks and physically when I'm touching the screen. Watching videos pretty much makes the crease disappear, unless I'm looking at it from an odd angle. Through the 18 major versions of iOS that have been released, Apple has yet to ever come out with its own version of multitasking for iPhone. Don't get me wrong, I was thrilled when iOS 4 finally gave us the ability to switch between apps, but what I'm craving most is for that side-by-side app multitasking. The closest thing we have to that is the multitasking features of iPadOS, where it does in three different ways: split view, slide over, and center window. These work well for iPads, but they might not be ideal for the smaller iPhone Fold — which is rumored to have a 7.74-inch main display. This would still be smaller than the 8.3-inch display found with the iPad Mini, so the experience may not end up being the same. One of the other challenges around multitasking on the iPhone Fold is the amount of power and memory needed to run apps simultaneously. Currently on my iPhone 16 Pro Max, I could run a few apps before they are refreshed. Nothing annoys me more when I open one app, only to have it relaunch when I try to go back to it after running another app. The reason why I want Apple to invest heavily into developing a multitasking system for the iPhone Fold is because it could be the key to tapping into a new experience unlike anything we've seen previously. And Apple really needs to look at its competition to come up with a multitasking system that's practical and effective. One of the best multitasking implementations I've seen to date is Open Canvas with the OnePlus Open. This is hands down the best multitasking on a phone to date, largely due to how the display dynamically adapts to run multiple apps at once. What's remarkable about this implementation is how it can run apps in full-screen apps alongside others, which you can see in the animation above. I'm not saying that Apple needs to copy this, but it's the kind of ingenious thinking that makes multitasking on a foldable device intuitive. Beyond how apps are arranged in a multitasking view, I'm also eager to see what cross actions Apple will offer. Naturally, drag and drop would be the logical one to bring to the iPhone Fold, but Apple would need to do much more to set itself apart. And lastly, I think multitasking with the iPhone Fold could also be an opportunity to introduce new accessories to make it stand apart from any iPhone before it. One accessory that comes to mind is a combination case and keyboard, much like the one available to the iPad Pro 2024, which could help bridge that gap in making it a laptop replacement. Either way, this is the area where Apple needs to devote more of its time and effort. With WWDC 2025 set for June 9, it'll be interesting to see what new changes will come with iOS 19, like the rumor about adding a desktop mode similar to Samsung DeX. 5 ways the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 can revive the series and beat the AirPods Forget Venmo, Samsung Wallet will let you transfer money by tapping your phones together Sorry, Galaxy S25 Edge — this is the thin phone I want Samsung to release instead
Tom's Guide
07-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
iPhone Fold invisible crease sounds great — but this is the feature Apple can't afford to ignore
Whether it ends up being called the iPhone Flip or iPhone Fold, or something else entirely different from the rumors, there's clearly a lot at stake with Apple's presumably first foldable iPhone. There's still a long road ahead before its debut, and while the latest leaks indicate Apple's investing heavily into a "nearly invisible" crease, I really hope it's putting in the same amount of resources to build out another, equally important feature. I'm referring to how it would handle the task of multitasking, which I think is critical for any notebook-style foldable phone. On one hand, Apple could simply replicate how it does multitasking on its iPads. But after seeing what its competition has achieved, Apple can't afford to ignore developing an entirely new system that makes more sense for an iPhone. Apple has the reputation of going after perfection, which I hope Apple pours into crafting a multitasking experience that not only rivals, but surpasses what we've seen. Beauty isn't just on the surface, it's found deeper and it's a chance to fundamentally refine how people interact with a foldable. You may like The crease is a design aesthetic you could overcome (Image credit: Future) Before I get into the details around what the iPhone Fold needs to do with multitasking, I just want to share my thoughts around the crease in today's best foldable phones. Every single one of them has a visible crease to some degree, but it doesn't deter me from using them. Obviously, wear and tear will cause the crease to become more apparent over time, but I barely notice it once I turn on the display. What I'm trying to say is that a crease doesn't impact the way I interact with the display on my Galaxy Z Fold 6, both aesthetically on how it looks and physically when I'm touching the screen. Watching videos pretty much makes the crease disappear, unless I'm looking at it from an odd angle. Apps switching isn't the same as multitasking (Image credit: Future) Through the 18 major versions of iOS that have been released, Apple has yet to ever come out with its own version of multitasking for iPhone. Don't get me wrong, I was thrilled when iOS 4 finally gave us the ability to switch between apps, but what I'm craving most is for that side-by-side app multitasking. The closest thing we have to that is the multitasking features of iPadOS, where it does in three different ways: split view, slide over, and center window. These work well for iPads, but they might not be ideal for the smaller iPhone Fold — which is rumored to have a 7.74-inch main display. This would still be smaller than the 8.3-inch display found with the iPad Mini, so the experience may not end up being the same. One of the other challenges around multitasking on the iPhone Fold is the amount of power and memory needed to run apps simultaneously. Currently on my iPhone 16 Pro Max, I could run a few apps before they are refreshed. Nothing annoys me more when I open one app, only to have it relaunch when I try to go back to it after running another app. Multitasking could unlock the iPhone's greatest potential (Image credit: Future) The reason why I want Apple to invest heavily into developing a multitasking system for the iPhone Fold is because it could be the key to tapping into a new experience unlike anything we've seen previously. And Apple really needs to look at its competition to come up with a multitasking system that's practical and effective. One of the best multitasking implementations I've seen to date is Open Canvas with the OnePlus Open. This is hands down the best multitasking on a phone to date, largely due to how the display dynamically adapts to run multiple apps at once. What's remarkable about this implementation is how it can run apps in full-screen apps alongside others, which you can see in the animation above. (Image credit: Future) I'm not saying that Apple needs to copy this, but it's the kind of ingenious thinking that makes multitasking on a foldable device intuitive. Beyond how apps are arranged in a multitasking view, I'm also eager to see what cross actions Apple will offer. Naturally, drag and drop would be the logical one to bring to the iPhone Fold, but Apple would need to do much more to set itself apart. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) And lastly, I think multitasking with the iPhone Fold could also be an opportunity to introduce new accessories to make it stand apart from any iPhone before it. One accessory that comes to mind is a combination case and keyboard, much like the one available to the iPad Pro 2024, which could help bridge that gap in making it a laptop replacement. Either way, this is the area where Apple needs to devote more of its time and effort. With WWDC 2025 set for June 9, it'll be interesting to see what new changes will come with iOS 19, like the rumor about adding a desktop mode similar to Samsung DeX. More from Tom's Guide Today's best Apple iPhone 16, Apple iPhone 16e and Apple iPhone 16 Plus deals Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Geeky Gadgets
06-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
iPhone Flip: The 3 Most Jaw-Dropping Leaks So Far
Apple is preparing to make a bold entrance into the foldable phone market with the highly anticipated iPhone Flip, which is expected to debut in 2026. This upcoming device is poised to combine Apple's signature design philosophy with innovative technology, offering a compact yet powerful alternative to traditional smartphones. In the video below, Matt Talks Tech explores the most compelling leaks and rumors surrounding this innovative product and what they could mean for the future of mobile devices. 1. Liquid Hinge Technology: A Seamless Display Experience One of the most intriguing aspects of the iPhone Flip is the rumored incorporation of advanced 'liquid hinge' technology. Unlike many current foldable phones that struggle with visible creases along the fold, this innovation is expected to deliver a smooth, uninterrupted display. By eliminating the crease, Apple aims to enhance both the visual appeal and durability of the device, setting a new standard for foldable smartphones. This approach underscores Apple's commitment to quality and precision. While competitors have already introduced foldable devices to the market, Apple appears to be taking a deliberate approach, prioritizing refinement over speed. The result could be a product that not only meets but exceeds user expectations, offering a premium experience that aligns with Apple's reputation for excellence. 2. Thinner, Lighter Design with Carbon Batteries The iPhone Flip is rumored to feature carbon battery technology, a significant step forward from traditional lithium-ion batteries. These advanced batteries are lighter and more compact, allowing Apple to design a device that is both thinner and more portable. Reports suggest the iPhone Flip could achieve a level of slimness comparable to the iPad Pro, which measures just 5.1mm in thickness. Despite its sleek profile, the iPhone Flip is expected to deliver battery life on par with current iPhone models. This balance between form and function highlights Apple's focus on creating devices that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly practical. A thinner, lighter design could make the iPhone Flip an attractive option for users who value portability without sacrificing performance. 3. A Compact Alternative with Enhanced Portability For users who appreciated the now-discontinued iPhone Mini series, the iPhone Flip could serve as a compelling alternative. When folded, the device offers a compact form factor that easily fits into pockets or small bags, making it ideal for those who prioritize portability. Once unfolded, it transforms into a full-sized screen, making sure a seamless transition between compactness and usability. Adding to its versatility is the rumored inclusion of a rear mini-display. This secondary screen is expected to provide quick access to essential functions such as notifications, calls, and basic controls, all without the need to open the phone. This feature not only enhances convenience but also aligns with the growing trend of secondary displays in foldable devices, further solidifying the iPhone Flip's appeal. Release Date and Pricing Expectations The iPhone Flip is anticipated to launch in 2026, potentially alongside the iPhone 18 series. While Apple has yet to confirm pricing details, industry analysts predict a starting price of approximately $899 or higher, depending on factors such as market conditions and tariffs. Unlike Apple's 'Pro' models, the iPhone Flip is expected to feature a dual-camera system with wide and ultra-wide lenses, focusing more on its innovative foldable design than on advanced photography capabilities. What This Means for the Future of Smartphones The iPhone Flip represents Apple's strategic entry into the foldable phone market, combining innovative technologies like liquid hinge mechanics and carbon batteries with a sleek, compact design. While it may come with a premium price tag, its unique features and portability could make it a standout choice for users seeking a versatile, modern smartphone. As the release date approaches, the iPhone Flip is shaping up to be a pivotal addition to Apple's product lineup. Whether you're a tech enthusiast eager to explore the latest innovations or a user looking for a more portable and functional device, the iPhone Flip could offer a glimpse into the future of smartphone design. Browse through more resources below from our in-depth content covering more areas on iPhone Flip. Source & Image Credit: Matt Talks Tech Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Yahoo
Apple: Don't Screw Up the iPhone Flip
Apple's foldable iPhone has been rumored for years. While we'd crossed our fingers to see it at last year's iPhone 16 launch, a foldable iPhone was nowhere to be seen. But the rumors persist, and it's increasingly likely that Apple will want to get in on the folding phone game at some point. Having tested, reviewed and photographed almost every foldable phone available since Samsung launched its first Z Fold back in 2019, I have some thoughts -- and words of caution -- for Apple as it gets closer to potentially unveiling a foldable iPhone. I've written before about why foldable phones have disappointed me and how Apple could be the company to give the category a boost. Because foldables really do need a boost. We've seen new foldables from Samsung, Google, Motorola, OnePlus and Xiaomi, but none of them have managed to get me especially excited. All those companies' new launches were just iterations of what they already had. Foldables are decent on the surface, but beyond the novelty of the bending display, they don't offer anything truly unique. The more Android companies that join the folding fray, the more concerned I've become that Apple could run into the same problem, with the iPhone Flip being a generic, redundant novelty. A foldable iPhone needs to be more than just a regular iPhone with a screen that can bend. Here's what Apple needs to do. Unfortunately, the foldable Android devices we've seen so far -- including the recent Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 -- are essentially just regular Android phones with flexible displays. The hardware is impressive, sure, but once you get over the novelty of a phone that bends in half it just becomes like any other phone. Except one you've paid a huge amount of money for. The problem is that while the folding hardware works well, the software is basically the same that you'd find on the non-folding versions of the phones. There are few adjustments for the larger displays in the core Android software and most third-party apps don't really take advantage of the format. As a result, I'm still waiting for that "oh wow" moment that makes me see the true value of a folding phone. I had hoped that Google, as the maker of Android, would develop more software features that would make full use of the folding format with its Pixel Fold range. I do like the most recent Pixel 9 Pro Fold and think it's probably one of the best foldables out there. But there's no question that it still feels more like an exercise in keeping pace with the competition rather than a genuine attempt to innovate. Apple's deep developer relationships will hopefully play right into its hands here, with productivity, entertainment and gaming app producers likely poised and ready to create killer apps that show why foldable phones truly are the next step in our phone's evolution. Even on the hardware side of things we're already seeing duplication in designs and form factors. Motorola's new Razr Plus is essentially the same as Samsung's Z Flip 6 and there's little to choose between the OnePlus Open, Google Pixel Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 6 beyond a few minor touches. Apple needs to avoid a folding iPhone that just looks like a clone of existing Android foldables. It needs to stand out and reinforce why Apple is the champion when it comes to product engineering. Let's not forget that Apple didn't invent the mobile phone, but its top-class designers and engineers created a product with the first iPhone that completely revolutionized what a phone could be. Apple has time on its side here; by being late to the party and not rushing in with a "me too!" product, it's been able to see the progression of foldables from Samsung's first Z Fold, through to the more advanced models we have today. It's given the company an opportunity to bide its time and learn from others' mistakes and hopefully put that same spark that made the original iPhone so transformative into its first foldable. A folding iPhone, if we ever get one, should be the showcase for what Apple can achieve with a phone. It needs to not just be cutting edge in terms of its design but also be packed with the latest, greatest tech the company has to offer elsewhere. That means it needs to be able to keep pace with the Pro models, not be a cut-down version that just happens to fold. We've seen this with many other foldables, including Samsung, which typically packs its folding phones -- especially the Z Flip line -- with lesser specs than you'd get from its top-end non-folding models. The result is that you're forced to pay top dollar for the bendable phone but still end up with lower performance than your friend who has a much cheaper phone than you. It's especially true with the cameras, with even Samsung's most expensive Z Fold 6 packing a camera setup that doesn't compete with the S25 Ultra. So you're left having to decide between the best camera performance or the best folding tech. Either way, you're having to make a compromise and that's not okay when you're spending well into four figures for the privilege. An Apple foldable needs to pack the same triple camera setup from the Pro line, along with ProRaw imaging and ProRes video capture. It needs to have the latest processor capable of handling anything you'll throw at it and it needs to be able to run Apple's new AI skills (Apple Intelligence) at least as well as any other phone the company makes. Such a device will cost a fortune, so Apple also needs a more affordable option that's aimed more towards those who simply want the fun of the hinge without all the bells and whistles. Why? Because it needs mass market appeal to get developers on board. A hyper-expensive elite iPhone Fold will have too few adopters early on, and so why would developers waste time dreaming up and producing apps for so few potential customers? On the other hand, just going for the cheap and fun model will make it seem like a toy. A gimmick that gets some headlines but isn't really for serious users. To truly dominate the market with developers on board, Apple will need to tackle both sides of the value equation.
