Apple’s recent event focused primarily on software, leaving hardware details sparse. However, behind the scenes, Apple is working on at least two foldable devices: a 20.3” MacBook, reportedly closer to completion, and a 7.9” foldable iPhone.
According to analyst Jeff Pu, the foldable iPhone will have an outward folding design, similar to the Huawei Mate Xs 2. This design features a single display that covers the front and back of the device when folded and unfolds into a flat, singular display.
Pu anticipates that this foldable iPhone will be ready by late 2026, although other analysts suggest a 2027 launch date. In contrast, the larger 20.3” foldable MacBook is expected to launch in 2025. This MacBook is compared to the ThinkPad X1, which has an inward folding display and a wireless keyboard that stores between the two halves when folded.
The advantage of an outward folding display is the elimination of the need for a cover display, reducing weight, thickness, and cost. With most of the back covered in the screen, it also offers opportunities for personalization or using the main camera for selfies. However, the downside is the vulnerability of the foldable display, which remains exposed at all times.
Inward folding designs, like the one used in the ThinkPad X1, protect the flexible screen and can be used at a 90° angle for a laptop-like experience. The slower progress of the foldable iPhone compared to the foldable MacBook might be due to the complexities associated with the outward folding design.
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