The long-rumored iPhone Fold is slowly moving closer to reality as a major milestone related to the project has been reached. A new leak suggests that Apple has reportedly finalized the design of its crease-free foldable panel and that Foxconn has planned an assembly line for the component. However, the launch might still be delayed due to two major issues.
Apple finalizes display design and assembly line for its iPhone Fold
A recent report claims that Apple has finally finished the development of the OLED panel for its iPhone Fold. The company had long ago planned a crease-free design for the panel, but it was finding it hard to achieve. But thankfully, the issue has been sorted out now. Samsung is expected to be the supplier of both the main 7.74-inch screen and the 5.49-inch outer display.
The report also mentions that Foxconn, one of the leading suppliers of Apple devices, has finalized the equipment needed to assemble the iPhone Fold . However, there’s still a major obstruction in the place. Apple has been experimenting with a liquid-metal hinge that can withstand repeated bending and reduce long-term wear. However, despite advanced engineering, the hinge still hasn’t been cleared for mass production .
Battery concerns are reportedly slowing down the progress
Apart from the hinge-related issue, the battery capacity remains another challenge for Apple. The company had earlier tested prototype units with 5,400mAh and 5,800mAh battery capacity. However, the supplier for the battery has not been finalized yet.
Foldable phones naturally place more physical stress on the internal parts. Apple wants to ensure that the battery remains safe even when the device goes through tough challenges. Production cost is also delaying the official release. While the company has reportedly managed to bring down the hinge production to an estimated $70–$80 per unit, it is still not ready to approve the part for mass manufacturing.
Until Apple is satisfied with both durability and safety, the iPhone Fold will remain in the development phase.
