Latest news with #iPhoneFold
India Today
9 hours ago
- India Today
iPhone Fold tipped to feature a crease-free display
We have previously reported that Samsung Display is helping Apple bring its long-rumoured foldable iPhone to life. While the display quality has been praised even before the debut, one major upgrade has leaked: no crease. Yes, while Samsung's own Galaxy Z Fold 7 still carries the telltale fold line, Apple's foldable debut could mark a turning point in the battle of bendable scoop comes from a well-known Apple supply chain analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, who claims that Samsung Display will supply Apple with specially designed crease-free foldable panels. Central to this innovation is a metal plate embedded beneath the screen, engineered to distribute and manage the stress caused by folding evenly. These metal components will mostly be sourced from South Korean firm Fine this very same supplier also works with Samsung's own foldable lineup. Yet, despite Fine M-Tec's involvement, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 still features a visible central crease. That suggests Apple's panels are part of a custom-built solution — a bespoke development that Samsung Display has seemingly reserved for Cupertino's first foldable. Why hasn't Samsung implemented this crease-free tech in its own foldables? That remains a mystery. It's possible that the materials or construction methods differ, or perhaps Apple's notoriously exacting hardware standards pushed Samsung Display to innovate further. Either way, the fact that Apple might beat Samsung at its own game is sure to sting in to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple has its sights set on a foldable that doesn't just hide the crease — it aims to eliminate it. Gurman previously reported that the iPhone Fold (or whatever Apple ends up calling it) will feature a 'much higher-quality hinge' than current competitors, leading to an almost imperceptible fold line when the device is fully adds that mass production of Apple's foldable iPhone is expected to begin in the second half of 2026, indicating a potential launch later that year or in early 2027. The device is said to sport a 7.8-inch inner display when unfolded and a 5.5-inch outer display for use when closed. It will reportedly be equipped with two rear cameras and a single front-facing camera. Notably, the device may also skip Face ID in favour of a Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button — a possible move to conserve terms of dimensions, Apple's foldable is expected to be around 4.5mm thick when open and between 9mm and 9.5mm when closed. That makes it slightly bulkier than the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which measures 4.2mm when unfolded and 8.9mm folded. Still, for a first-generation device, Apple's offering seems impressively Samsung Display backing the hardware and Apple engineering the rest, this cross-brand collaboration could redefine what consumers expect from foldable phones. If Apple does manage to launch a device with a truly seamless display, it could ignite a new wave of foldables that finally look — and feel — like the future.- Ends
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Foldable iPhone in 2026? Apple's game-changer may launch at $1,800 with limited stock
It appears that Apple is finally prepared to produce a foldable phone, which is expected to be a significant event. A new report says that the tech giant might come out with its first foldable iPhone in 2026 . Can Apple revive interest in foldables? With this move, Apple enters a market that is still specialized but has the potential to change as the most powerful smartphone brand in the world enters the market. The device could spark renewed interest in foldables, with supply chain partners, including Samsung and Foxconn, poised to benefit from the anticipated high-end launch. With the supply chain reportedly nearing completion of the specifications for a book-style "iPhone Fold," which is expected to be released in the second half of 2026, Apple is poised to introduce its first foldable iPhone, as per a report by Fortune. In an analyst note titled "Unfolding the Implications of an iPhone Fold Launch," UBS conducted a landscape survey. ALSO READ: Don't board a Carnival Cruise without knowing these top game-changing rule updates Live Events Even though premium materials raise the cost of the casing and hinge, UBS' teardown analysis of Samsung's Z Fold SE (BOM cost: $790) indicates that Apple's iPhone Fold could achieve a BOM cost of $759, or roughly 4% lower, thanks to cost savings on memory, application processors, and camera modules, as per a report by Fortune. It is anticipated that Apple's anticipated 2026 entry will hasten innovation and widespread adoption even more. How much will the foldable iPhone cost and when is it coming? According to UBS, Apple's first foldable phone could cost as little as $1,800 when it launches in 2026. Estimates for the first wave of production range from 10 million to 15 million units, indicating a limited initial production. The technical intricacy of foldable devices and their high cost, which analysts view as a significant barrier to widespread adoption, are both reflected in this cautious approach. According to early reports, the iPhone Fold may cost between $2,000 and $2,400, making it Apple's priciest phone to date and establishing it as a high-end, aspirational device. With contribution margins of 53% to 58%, Apple may be able to price the device at the lower end of the projected range ($1,800–$2,000), according to UBS. Which companies benefit from Apple's foldable phone launch? The introduction of the iPhone Fold by Apple is anticipated to increase market share by impacting important supply chain suppliers such as Amphenol, Hirose, TDK, Avary, and SDI. The visibility of a new product ramp could improve sentiment and share prices for these companies, which are currently trading below historical valuation averages. ALSO READ: Is this the end of salesman? Microsoft layoffs signal death of old-school sales - AI set to help tech-savvy pros Samsung Display, which can manufacture up to 15 million 7-inch foldable OLED panels a year, is anticipated to be the main supplier. As Apple expands its sources, LG Display might also be involved. The device will benefit suppliers such as Foxconn, Amphenol, and Lens Technology because it will have a liquid metal hinge and a titanium casing. The first assembly will be done by Hon Hai, with Luxshare serving as a backup partner. Over the medium to long term, it is anticipated that Apple's foray into the foldable smartphone market will hasten the adoption of foldable devices in notebooks, tablets, and smartphones. ALSO READ: iPhone 17 launch date leaked? Here's when Apple might drop its hottest device yet By utilizing a well-established supply chain and advanced technology, the company's late-mover advantage may help control expenses and produce a more polished product, which could lead to market expansion beyond its current niche. Nevertheless, the global market for foldable smartphones has begun to show signs of exhaustion, as growth has slowed and a decline is anticipated in 2025. Rekindling interest and promoting wider adoption may be made possible by Apple's ecosystem integration and strong brand. FAQs When is Apple expected to release the foldable iPhone? Apple plans to release its first foldable iPhone in the second half of 2026, with limited production initially. What is the iPhone Fold's estimated price? Analysts believe it will cost between $1,800 and $2,000, making it Apple's most premium phone to date. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Business Standard
a day ago
- Business Standard
Apple could debut iPhone Fold in 2026: Design to cameras, what to expect
Apple is reportedly preparing to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026, potentially reshaping the future of its smartphone portfolio. According to a report by 9To5Google, the maiden foldable from Apple, possibly called the iPhone Fold, may feature a book-style folding design, a crease-free display, and a quad-camera setup. It could also feature a titanium body, similar to Pro models in the current generation iPhone 16 series. Foldable displays The iPhone Fold is expected to feature a 7.8-inch main display and a 5.5-inch cover display, making it the first iPhone to include both a screen larger and smaller than any current model. The main screen size would bring it close to the earlier iPad mini, offering a tablet-like experience, while the cover display may resemble the compact design of the iPhone mini. For reference, the recently launched Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 sports a 6.5-inch display on the cover and an 8-inch main bendable display. Crease-free book-style design One of the major highlights could be a 'crease-free' display, addressing a longstanding drawback of folding smartphones. Apple is reportedly working on a seamless display experience, with the phone folding like a book. The device may measure around 9–9.5mm when folded and 4.5–4.8mm when unfolded. If true, the first foldable device from Apple will not rank among the thinnest. The current-generation book-style foldable from Samsung measures 8.9mm in folded state and 4.2mm when unfolded, making it the slimmest foldable in the Indian market. Quad-camera system The iPhone Fold may sport a quad-camera setup, including: Two rear cameras (48MP each) One front camera when folded (24MP) One front camera when unfolded (24MP) While the exact configuration of the rear lenses is not confirmed, Apple may opt for either ultra-wide or telephoto as the secondary camera. Both front-facing cameras are likely to be housed in hole-punch cutouts on their respective displays. Touch ID instead of Face ID The foldable iPhone is expected to ditch Face ID in favour of Touch ID for biometric authentication. The fingerprint sensor will likely be embedded into the side button, as seen in the iPhone SE models. This could be due to space constraints and the added complexity of placing Face ID sensors on both the inner and outer displays. Titanium frame Despite reports suggesting the iPhone 17 Pro series may drop titanium, Apple is expected to bring back the titanium build for the iPhone Fold. This could be a strategic move to offer lightweight durability in a more premium form factor.
Mint
a day ago
- Business
- Mint
Apple's foldable iPhone may not be as expensive as expected: All details
Apple is reportedly developing a book-style foldable iPhone, which could likely debut next year or in early 2027. If true, this could be Apple's first foldable innovation, competing with brands like Samsung, Google, Vivo, and others. As Apple is gradually finalising several components of the foldable iPhone, tipsters have been on a mission to reveal every possible information about the smartphone. However, this time, we may get a close look at the foldable iPhone price. Earlier, it was speculated that the foldable iPhone could be priced as high as $2400. Whereas, the new finding contradicts the price claims. An Investment firm, UBS, has revealed Apple's Bill of Materials (BOM) for the upcoming iPhone Fold, which is priced at $759 ( approximately Rs. 65000). It is further reported that Apple is saving a huge amount of money in memory, application processors, and camera modules. Additionally, it will develop as many units as the standard iPhone models, and will likely limit the production of its foldable to around 10 million to 15 million units. Earlier, it was anticipated that Apple could launch its foldable iPhone priced between $2,000 and $2,400. Now, the UBS report claims that the foldable could be priced around $1,800 and $2,000 (approximately Rs. 171000) during the launch. Despite the lower than expected price, the iPhone Fold could launch as the most expensive folding phone. The report further highlights that the iPhone Fold could feature a 7-inch OLED main display. Apple has also been rumoured to achieve a crease-free display technology that uses laser drilling that help improve stress distribution and crease resistance. The smartphone could feature a titanium casing and a liquid metal hinge. Suppliers like Samsung Display, LG Display, Lens Technology, Amphenol, and Hon Hai (Foxconn) could play a major role in providing these crucial components. Therefore, Apple has ramped up its plan for iPhone Fold, and we may soon get to witness what the first generation model will be like, and how it will compete with other brands that have generations of experience and image building.
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
iPhone Fold could cost less than Galaxy Z Fold 7 — under $2,000
Buying the rumored iPhone Fold may not set you back as much money as expected, according to new analysis from Swiss investment bank UBS and Jimmy Yoon (seen by Fortune). The core reason for this is the analysis' estimate of the foldable iPhone's bill of materials - the total price a company pays for the parts for its products. Because of Apple's ability to buy memory, chipsets and cameras for cheaper than rivals (likely thanks to the iPhone's prominence and Apple's capacity to bulk buy components), plus the now established supply chain for other parts, UBS estimates the iPhone Fold's bill of materials as $759. For comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold SE, the predecessor to the newly launched Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, cost Samsung $790 per unit. As a result, the UBS analysis predicts Apple will price the iPhone Fold between $1,800 and $2,000, when accounting for manufacturing and Apple's usual profit margin on its phones. That would be at worst the same price as, if not cheaper than, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which now costs $2,000 in the U.S.. A much more appealing idea than the rumored $2,100 - 2,300 price we've heard before. UBS' report also believes Apple will initially produce 10 - 15 million iPhone Folds, less than half of what just the Pro Max version of a given iPhone generation tends to sell. The report goes on to name various companies that will likely supply Apple and build the foldable iPhone, including Samsung Display, which will apparently build the 7-inch main display for the device. Finally, UBS makes a prediction that the launch of the iPhone Fold will increase adoption of foldable devices across the whole market. And that seems like a safe bet. iPhone users make up a huge chunk of the smartphone market, and as tempting as the best foldable phones might be, they all currently run on Android. That benefit may also extend to larger folding tablets and laptops according to UBS, although there are fewer of these devices on the market. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. While it's been six years since the first generation of foldable phones emerged, Apple's first foldable could cause a renaissance for the category. That big revival may still be some time coming though, as 2026 is the latest estimate for the launch date for the iPhone Fold.
