Over the past few months, there have been multiple reports regarding Apple’s first-ever foldable phone. According to a recent report, Apple is working on its first foldable phone and it will arrive in 2023 at the earliest. The latest report from Jon Prosser shows that Apple is “done” with the form factor of the new foldable iPhone. In the video, what we have is basically an “iPhone Flip“. In addition, the launch strategy of this device will be a surprise.
According to Prosser, Apple will not use the popular “phone-to-tablet” design for its first foldable phone. “[Apple] is leaning heavily in favor of a clamshell [iPhone design],…My sources aren’t exactly sure why, all they know is the clamshell is now having the majority of the attention placed on it behind the scenes… [and] is getting elevated behind the scenes in terms of a production timeline…One of the goals of this clamshell-style foldable iPhone is to offer it in multiple colors, like fun colors, similar to base model iPhones… which tells us who this phone will be marketed towards.”
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The colors which appear to be minor is probably one of the most interesting aspects of this latest leak. As for the price, there is a little surprise. According to Jon Prosser, the foldable iPhone may actually cost $1,499. This is cheaper than some foldable smartphones in the market. However, this price is too good to be true. Considering that the iPhone 13 top model could cost up to $1500, this price is most unlikely. Nevertheless, a “cheap” foldable iPhone could be a game-changer for Apple.
Could this be the reason why the company is opting for the clamshell (flip) design? The size of the device could be the iPhone 12 mini and after the flip, it becomes larger. Subsequently, it can unveil the phone-to-tablet (obviously more expensive) foldable iPhone.
As for the launch date, Jon Prosser’s previous launch claim is for September 2022. However, he also believes that Apple’s plan could change.
For now, all reports claim that the first foldable iPhone will come with a Samsung flexible OLED panel. In addition, Apple will ditch the notch which it introduced with the iPhone X in 2017. The entire front is completely free from any sensor. Also, the bezels on all four sides are almost equal. However, it is important to note that this description is not from the official image. The real deal may be significantly different.