Apple's Foldable iPhone a Lock for 2020, Says Analayst

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A new report says that Apple is readying a foldable iPhone for 2020, which would double as a tablet.

Apple may be working on an iPhone that's dramatically different from what we're used to today.

Wamsi Mohan, an analyst for Bank of America Merrill Lynch, told investors that a foldable device is in the works, CNBC reports.

"We expect the iPhones this fall to be largely unchanged for the OLED versions, although size changes have proved to be a catalyst in the past," Mohan wrote. "Our checks also suggest that Apple is working with suppliers on a foldable phone (that potentially could double up as a tablet) for launch in 2020."

Mohan reportedly wrote the note following meetings with several of Apple's suppliers in Asia. This isn't the first we've heard of a rumored folding iPhone, either. Back in October, a report pegging the same 2020 release came from a South Korean publication. It claimed that Apple was working with LG on the foldable screen technology.

MORE: The Galaxy S9 and iPhone X Battle to a Bloody TKO

There are also rumors that other companies are trying to do something similar. Samsung has been public about its ambitions, and says that we'll see a folding Galaxy X this year. That would beat the folding iPhone to market by two years.

However, a recent report from Tech Radar says that the Galaxy X could see a delay. Qualcomm's product manager of display technology told the publication that display durability is a key obstable and that today's components "are not flexible enough."

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Andrew E. Freedman
Andrew E. Freedman

Andrew E. Freedman is an editor at Tom's Hardware focusing on laptops, desktops and gaming as well as keeping up with the latest news. He holds a M.S. in Journalism (Digital Media) from Columbia University. A lover of all things gaming and tech, his previous work has shown up in Kotaku, PCMag, Complex, Tom's Guide and Laptop Mag among others.

3 Comments Comment from the forums
  • maxcypond
    I think if normal high-end smartphones are in the $1,100 range that these foldable one swill be $1,500+. Honestly, I think getting so many people to buy $900 phones was only going to work once or twice. I think the sub-$500 phone will come roaring back in 2019. I think Apple, LG and Samsung will "want" to offer phones with foldable screen,s but they won't be able to do it anytime soon for a price even 2% of the market-will-bear.

    I own a S8+ and I can honestly say, even thought I like it, I won't buy a $900 phone again.
    Reply
  • AndrewFreedman
    20821487 said:
    I think if normal high-end smartphones are in the $1,100 range that these foldable one swill be $1,500+. Honestly, I think getting so many people to buy $900 phones was only going to work once or twice. I think the sub-$500 phone will come roaring back in 2019. I think Apple, LG and Samsung will "want" to offer phones with foldable screen,s but they won't be able to do it anytime soon for a price even 2% of the market-will-bear.

    I own a S8+ and I can honestly say, even thought I like it, I won't buy a $900 phone again.

    Like any new tech, the first wave will be very expensive, no doubt. I imagine many people will wait not only for the prices to drop, but also for more apps and services that take advantage of a foldable display. As for mid-range phones, there are a bunch of pretty great ones out there now. I'm surprised they're not more popular.

    Reply
  • rscudds13
    I've been buying Apple products for about forty years now, and with the greedy headphone jack issue and the terrible AI called Siri, I say who cares now it's a little too late! The iPhone 6 plus was my last Apple phone, and I'm not so sure I'll ever buy anything from Apple again with the management they have now.
    Reply