With the foldable smartphone market growing, rumors emerged that Apple was already preparing its model. However, new information suggests that the brand's first foldable device may not be an iPhone, but rather a tablet or even a computer.
Apple is prioritizing quality in its future foldable device
FoldPad? Apple's first foldable device could be a tablet or a computer (Image: simulation / MacRumors)
Information is still scarce and should be treated as rumors until confirmation from Apple. According to the DigiTimes page, the foldable device that has been in development by Apple for supposedly at least 5 years is described as a “larger device” than a cell phone.
According to the website, in an article available only to subscribers, the information comes from sources in the Taiwanese supply chain. Apple is reportedly working on a larger foldable device, which could be a version of the iPad or MacBook.
The information also indicates that development of the device's design is progressing faster than planned for large-scale production. However, Apple would be “overwhelmingly prioritizing quality”.
And one of the challenges to overcome would be to develop a folding panel that meets quality requirements. To achieve this, Apple would even have carried out an internal reorganization to transfer some Vision Pro engineers to the foldable project.
The DigiTimes report also clarified that rumors that Apple had stopped its work on foldable devices are not true. According to the page, the company currently has several departments responsible for different lines of foldable products.
There are no expectations for Apple to launch a foldable device before 2025.