Apple reportedly working on foldable iPhone — here’s what we know

Apple tree reportedly working on foldable iPhone — here'south what nosotros know

(Image credit: #iOS Beta News/YouTube)

Apple is reportedly testing out a foldable iPhone Flip image, charting a class towards the adjacent boxing against Samsung.

Bloomberg reports that Apple has begun early testing on an iPhone with a foldable display, though it does non have physical plans to launch such a device just yet. At the moment, Apple is currently only testing out 6.7-inch displays, and hasn't created a full foldable iPhone prototype. This is according to a source within Apple tree that has asked not to be named.

Hither are the best iPhones bachelor now
LG Wing vs. Galaxy Z Fold 2: Dual-screen phones compared
Plus: Foldable iPhone leak reveals two dissimilar models accept passed testing

These aren't the starting time rumors we've heard of Apple working on a foldable iPhone. Earlier this month, Taiwanese website United Daily News reported that Apple had commissioned prototype foldable shells from Chinese manufacturer Foxconn.

At the moment, it'south uncertain what kind of foldable Apple has in the works. Would it fold vertically like the Motorola Razr 5G or horizontally like the Galaxy Z Fold ii?

According to Bloomberg'due south source, the current prototype has visible hinges, like the Microsoft Surface Duo.

Ultimately, information technology'due south unknown if or when Apple would launch a supposed iPhone Flip. Apple seldom is first to jump on the latest tech trend, instead waiting for other manufacturers to test out ideas in the market earlier plucking the ideas that work best.

The Covid-19 pandemic has likewise hindered development at Apple. In California, engineers can only meet a few times a week in limited numbers as to prevent the spread of the virus. Development has been offloaded to Apple'due south engineers in Cathay. That also means at that place'southward virtually nix hazard that a foldable iPhone would launch in 2021.

At that place are rumors circulating around the update to this year'southward iPhone, withal. At the moment, rumors are pointing to information technology being called the iPhone 13. It'south expected to have a smaller notch and a 120Hz display. It might also be portless, an idea that flies in the confront of all convention. But Apple and convention seldom go hand in hand.

Be sure to bookmark our constantly updating iPhone Flip rumor roundup for the latest information.

More than: iPhone thirteen — 7 biggest upgrades to look

Imad Khan is news editor at Tom's Guide, helping direct the day'due south breaking coverage. Prior to working at the site, Imad was a total-time freelancer, with bylines at the New York Times, the Washington Post and ESPN. Outside of piece of work, you can find him sitting blankly in front of a Word document trying badly to write the first pages of a new book.