Apple iPhone X Fold Update: When Is Revolutionary Device Expected To Be Launched?

Previous reports revealed evidence that Apple is already working on foldable devices, or at least technology meant for such devices.

Analysts and experts have predicted that Apple will one day release a foldable device of its own, especially as its rivals like Samsung and Huawei are preparing to release their offerings. When will Apple launch a folding iPhone or folding iPad?

Some evidence revealed that Apple is planning to release a foldable device soon. One such evidence came by way of a patent. This patent described electronic devices that have a display and cover layer designed to bend along a bendable region.

Another report revealed that Apple supplier Corning is working on creating a “glass polymer” material that can be used for foldable devices. Should Corning succeed, this material will have the flexibilty of plastic and the durability of glass.

These led an analyst from WedBush Securities to say that he believes a foldable device “is something on [Apple’s] roadmap.” This analyst said the Cupertino tech giant may not release it this year, though.

Next year?

Previous reports revealed that Apple deliberately delayed the release of its foldable device. The Time Cook-led giant reportedly anticipated the problems early foldable devices (like the Galaxy Fold) would face, and decided to watch what will happen to others, learn from their mistakes, and perfect the technology it needs for its foldable devices.

Does that mean the world will see a foldable iPhone in 2020, a year after Samsung got humiliated by the Galaxy Fold’s major problems? An analyst says no. According to IHS Markit’s Jeff Lin, Apple is more likely to release a foldable iPad first before it releases a foldable iPhone.

The year after that?

So, if analysts believe that a foldable iPhone won’t be seen in 2019 or 2020, does that mean it will arrive in 2021? Another report says that Apple will “most likely” release it in that year.

Banking company UBS said Apple is “steadily working” on technology that can be used for foldable devices, and that while it is capable of releasing a foldable device next year, it’s more likely that Cupertino will decide to release one in 2021.

UBS noted, however, that pricing will be a major concern once the device is out. According to a survey UBS conducted, people are willing to pay up to $600 more than the regular price of a regular iPhone just to get an Apple-branded folding smartphone. This means people will be willing to pay up to $1,700 for a foldable iPhone, but we don’t know if Apple can sell it for that price, CNet noted.