Apple has a wide range of products to choose from, from Mac Studio to iPhone. However, there is one thing that Apple still lags behind its competitors, that is a technology product with a foldable screen, or rather Apple is lacking it.
That’s not a big deal because foldable devices are still fundamentally unpopular with many people and no longer cheap. Therefore, the demand for these products is basically limited. But on the other hand, as technology develops more, it is entirely possible that Apple one day jumps into the wheel.
The first news came from the famous Apple analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo. He recently shared the latest information about a folding iPhone, which is expected to be released as early as 2024. However, that plan seems to be on hold.
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is planning to launch its first foldable before 2025, but Kuo’s wording implies that it could be significantly later. Kuo also mentioned “a foldable iPad or a combination of iPad and iPhone”.
Apple may have found a solution for foldable screen technology
According to TheElec, Apple has begun developing OLED panels without polarization. This will be a big step forward in the production of foldable screens. Eliminating the polarizer allows for thinner displays to be produced, which in turn are more optimal for folding purposes. TheElec, citing anonymous sources, said that Apple may be working on a folding screen phone with a rather neat design.
Using a polarized display panel has its pros and cons. In terms of advantages, polarized screens usually have better visibility than regular screens. This is useful when using the monitor outdoors and exposed to sunlight. Meanwhile, many smartphones and tablets cannot keep up with their surroundings, causing users to squint and try to find the shade to see the content on the screen.
On the other hand, the polarizer also reduces the maximum brightness of the screen. As TheElec pointed out, a common solution by manufacturers is to increase the power consumption of the device. However, you can only push the power limit to an acceptable level.
How long will consumers need to wait?
If Apple does indeed get rid of the polarized screen to create a thinner and more flexible display, then Apple is in the process of creating a folding screen for a future device.
As Ming-Chi Kuo shared, Apple always spends a lot of time developing a new feature or technology on a hardware product. While Apple’s first device with a foldable screen will likely need to wait another year, competitors will continue to launch other products.
It will be interesting to see how Apple approaches the market with a device that is poised to differentiate itself from devices already formed in the minds of consumers.
Refer to Slashgear