Samsung has launched four foldable smartphones over the past year, and it plans to launch more such devices in the future. Now, it looks like Apple might be finally ready to start developing its own foldable iPhone. According to a new report, the iPhone maker has ordered foldable screen panels from the South Korean tech giant for sampling.
Leakster Ice Universe has mentioned on Weibo that Apple has asked Samsung Display to supply a large quantity of foldable OLED screen panels. It is being said that Apple will use the foldable panels to test prototype-stage foldable iPhones. This is not the first time the Cupertino-based firm has requested for foldable panels, though. Back in 2019, ETNews claimed that Samsung's display manufacturing arm had delivered a few samples to Apple. This means that Apple could now be into the deeper stages of foldable iPhone development.
Right now, there is a lot of confusion regarding the possible form factor of the foldable iPhone. Only time will tell whether Apple prefers the design of the Galaxy Z Flip or the Galaxy Z Fold 2. Prolific leaker Jon Prosser had once mentioned that the foldable iPhone's prototype currently uses two separate screens connected by a hinge. It reportedly has round stainless steel edges and a small forehead on the outer display that houses Face ID sensors.
Even Huawei, Microsoft, and Motorola have launched foldable smartphones, and it now feels like Apple is left behind in the race. Most likely, the foldable iPhone is a few years away from now, but Apple tends to catch up quickly.