Foldable Future?

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs

Person using a phone
Photography by Kamaji Ogino on Pexels
Published: Thursday, 14 November 2024 22:27 (EST)
By Hannah White

Apple’s been the king of innovation for decades, and it looks like they’re not slowing down anytime soon. The latest buzz? A foldable iPhone with Face ID tucked under the display. Yeah, you read that right. But before you start throwing your money at Apple, let’s pump the brakes and dive into what’s really going on here.

According to Phonearena, Apple might be working on a foldable iPhone that could feature an under-display Face ID. This means no more notches, no more punch holes—just a seamless screen. Sounds like a dream, right? But don’t hold your breath just yet. The tech giant is known for taking its sweet time perfecting new features before rolling them out.

Why Foldable?

Foldable phones have been the talk of the town for a while now, with companies like Samsung leading the charge. But Apple, as usual, seems to be playing the long game. While Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip and Fold series have been out for a few years, Apple has yet to dip its toes into the foldable waters. So, why now?

It’s simple: Apple doesn’t do “first.” They do “best.” They’re likely waiting until they can deliver a foldable device that’s not just cool but also practical, durable, and, of course, expensive. And let’s be real, if Apple’s going to release a foldable iPhone, it’s going to be a game-changer.

Face ID Under the Display?

Now, let’s talk about the Face ID rumor. Apple’s Face ID has been a staple since the iPhone X, but it’s always been housed in that infamous notch. With a foldable iPhone, Apple could be looking to hide the Face ID sensors under the display, giving users a full, uninterrupted screen.

But here’s the catch: under-display cameras aren’t perfect. Companies like ZTE and Samsung have already tried it, and the results have been... meh. The image quality isn’t great, and the sensors can struggle in low light. If Apple is going to pull this off, they’ll need to solve these issues first. And knowing Apple, they won’t release it until it’s flawless.

When Can We Expect It?

So, when can you expect to see this foldable iPhone with hidden Face ID? Well, don’t start lining up outside the Apple Store just yet. While rumors are swirling, it’s unlikely we’ll see this device anytime soon. Apple is known for taking its time with new tech, and foldable phones are no exception.

In fact, some experts believe we might not see a foldable iPhone until 2025 or later. That’s a long time to wait, especially with competitors like Samsung already dominating the foldable market. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that Apple likes to perfect a product before releasing it.

The Bigger Picture

So, what does this mean for the future of smartphones? If Apple does release a foldable iPhone with under-display Face ID, it could set a new standard for the industry. Other companies would likely follow suit, and we could see a wave of foldable devices with hidden cameras and sensors.

But let’s not forget: foldable phones are still a niche market. They’re expensive, and not everyone is sold on the idea of a phone that folds. Apple’s entry into the foldable game could change that, but only time will tell.

In the meantime, we’ll just have to wait and see what Apple has up its sleeve. One thing’s for sure: when they do release a foldable iPhone, it’s going to make waves.

After all, Apple has a history of taking existing technology and making it better. Remember when they introduced the iPhone in 2007? Smartphones already existed, but Apple redefined what a smartphone could be. Could they do the same with foldables? Only time will tell.

Phones