Latest news with #MingChiKuo
Khaleej Times
6 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Is Apple launching a foldable iPhone? Here's what we know
Apple may finally be ready to join the foldable phone race. According to a new report from Taiwanese research firm TrendForce, highlighted by MacRumors, Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to launch in the second half of 2026 and will feature a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display. These dimensions echo an earlier prediction by Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, suggesting growing confidence in the design specs from multiple sources. In terms of screen size, Apple's rumoured foldable falls slightly behind Samsung's latest Galaxy Z Fold 7, which boasts an 8-inch main screen and a 6.5-inch cover display. However, Apple could set itself apart in other ways, particularly with design and build quality. Kuo recently claimed that the foldable iPhone will feature a 'crease-free' inner display, thanks to a laser-drilled metal display plate that helps disperse stress and prevent visible folding lines. If accurate, this would address one of the most common complaints about foldable screens and offer a more seamless viewing experience. Kuo also suggests the foldable iPhone will feature two rear cameras, a single front-facing camera, and Touch ID integrated into the power button, instead of Apple's usual Face ID system. This shift could be due to the technical limitations of embedding Face ID sensors into a foldable form factor — or simply a way to maintain a thinner profile. The launch timeframe suggested by TrendForce places the device's debut in September 2026, aligning with Apple's traditional fall hardware events. If Apple does enter the foldable space, it could reshape the category and push competitors to rethink their designs, much like the original iPhone did for smartphones back in 2007.
Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Gulf Business
Apple's foldable iPhone speculation: What you need to know
Image: Getty Images Read- Rather than taking a radically new approach, Apple is expected to refine existing foldable technology. This includes minimising the screen crease on the main display and introducing a more durable hinge mechanism. The next version of Apple's mobile operating system, likely called iOS 27, is also expected to feature optimisations for foldable displays. Apple iPhone Fold: What to expect Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously stated that the foldable iPhone could sport a sleek design, measuring between 9mm to 9.5mm when folded, and just 4.5mm to 4.8mm when unfolded. The device is expected to include a 5.5-inch external screen and a 7.8-inch internal display with minimal crease visibility. These details were echoed by analyst Jeff Pu, who also noted that the outer screen may have a resolution of 2088 x 1422 pixels, while the inner display could be 2713 x 1920 pixels. Finalising specifications and supply chain readiness Apple is on the cusp of launching its first foldable iPhone, with the supply chain reportedly close to finalising specifications for a book-style 'iPhone Fold' targeting a release in the second half of 2026. This move marks Apple's entry into a segment that, while still niche, is poised for transformation as the world's most influential smartphone brand steps in. UBS surveyed the landscape in an analyst note titled Unfolding the implications of an iPhone Fold launch. The firm's teardown analysis of Samsung's Z Fold SE (BOM cost: $790) suggests Apple's iPhone Fold could achieve a bill-of-materials cost of $759, about 4 per cent lower, thanks to cost savings on memory, application processors, and camera modules, even as premium materials drive up casing and hinge costs, Pricing strategy and production forecast Initial production is expected to be limited, with estimates ranging from 10 million to 15 million units in the first wave. This cautious rollout reflects both the technical complexity of foldable devices and the high price point, which analysts view as a barrier to mass adoption. Early reports suggest the iPhone Fold could be priced between $2,000 and $2,400, making it Apple's most expensive phone to date and positioning it as a premium, aspirational product. However, UBS says Apple's cost discipline may allow it to price the device at the lower end of the anticipated range ($1,800–$2,000), with contribution margins of 53 per cent–58 per cent, in line with Samsung's foldables and well above the iPhone 16 series. Supply chain ripple effects The iPhone Fold's launch is also expected to have a positive ripple effect across Apple's supply chain, including companies like Amphenol, Hirose, TDK, Avary, and SDI. Many of these firms are currently trading below historical valuation averages, and the visibility of a new product ramp could boost sentiment and share prices. The iPhone Fold's unique design is set to benefit several key players: Display Panels: Samsung Display is expected to be the primary supplier, with capacity to produce up to 15 million 7-inch foldable OLED panels annually. LG Display may also play a role as Apple diversifies its sourcing. Casing and Hinges: The device will likely feature a titanium casing and a liquid metal hinge, with suppliers such as Lens Technology, Amphenol, and Hon Hai (Foxconn) positioned to benefit from a higher BOM wallet share. EMS Providers: Hon Hai is expected to handle initial assembly, with Luxshare as a secondary partner, reflecting Apple's strategy of leveraging its established manufacturing ecosystem. Late entry in a nascent market Apple is late to the foldable game, as rumors have intensified that the company will launch its first folding iPhone, possibly called the iPhone Flip, in 2026. But that might be just fine. The market is still young, with foldable phones accounting for well under 5 per cent of all smartphones sold globally. A crease-free iPhone would mark the latest innovation in foldable technology — a category that began with Huawei's $2,600 Mate X in 2019, followed by its triple-screen concept, and continued with Samsung's ongoing Flip and Fold releases. Samsung's latest models were unveiled just last week, and a tri-fold phone is also rumored to be in the works for later this year, Setting the bar for foldables If successful, the iPhone Fold could not only reinvigorate the premium smartphone segment but also set a new standard for foldables. Apple's typical focus on polished user experience, software-hardware synergy, and ecosystem integration could help address the shortcomings that have kept foldables from broader mainstream appeal. While the foldable market remains niche, Apple's entry is expected to expand consumer awareness and push the segment forward. As 2026 approaches, the tech world will be watching closely to see if Apple can do for foldables what it once did for smartphones.
Phone Arena
5 days ago
- Phone Arena
Samsung's next foldable could fix what's been bugging us for years
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 just got announced not too long ago, but if you know anything about the world of tech, it is that leaks and rumors never stop. So yep, we're now starting to hear stuff about next year's foldable, potentially the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the thinnest Samsung foldable. It's light and refined, and has come a long way from its predecessor. But there's still something that stops it from being perfect, and that's the crease on the display, which is, unfortunately, still there. Now, reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is claiming that the South Korea-based tech giant may finally fix this issue using a laser-drilled metal display plate. Ming-Chi Kuo's post on X. | Screenshot by PhoneArena This new technology would allow the phone to disperse the stress generated by the screen bending. This would technically mean the screen may remain crease-free. The display crease on foldables is yet to be fully removed, although some Chinese makers have managed to get rid of the majority of it. Ever since foldable phones existed, the crease on the display has been a little (or big, depending on who you ask) inconvenience. The crease is basically the dent where the phone's screen bends on itself. With the years, this crease has become less and less visible, but it's still pretty much there. The crease has become less noticeable, but it's still there. Galaxy Z Fold 7. | Image Credit - PhoneArena Reportedly, the new panel may be supplied to Samsung by the South Korean firm Fine M-Tec. It's also said the same company may supply the same panel to Apple for its first foldable iPhone, expected to launch next year as well. Of course, this panel is more pricey than what is currently used on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 , and this may drive the manufacturing price up. Of course, we don't know yet whether Samsung will bear the increased price or there will be a price hike for the foldable. I'd bet on the latter, but it's a bit too early to tell right now. Apple's first foldable iPhone has been in the rumors for a while now, and it's said it may be a completely creaseless foldable phone. The Galaxy Z Fold 8, set for a 2026 release, would be a direct competitor to Apple's first foldable. It seems that next year may be an exciting one for the foldable market. Meanwhile, Samsung may also be prepping a tri-foldable phone, hints about which have also shown up recently. Personally, I've been holding off from buying a foldable just because of the crease. Some people say you get used to it, and it's probably true for some. But I'm a bit of an obsessive person when it comes to touch, and I can't stand that dent in the screen, no matter how small. It just... rubs me the wrong way. So if Samsung (and Apple) manage to completely get rid of it, I'll be on the first line to buy a foldable. Because, after all, I think foldables are a great idea, especially clamshell ones.
Android Authority
5 days ago
- Android Authority
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 could finally get rid of one of the worst things about foldables
Hadlee Simons / Android Authority TL;DR Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 will apparently use the same 'laser-drilled display metal plates' as the foldable iPhone. These parts reportedly enable a crease-free screen on Apple's device, suggesting the Z Fold 8 won't have a display crease, either. This would be a major step forward for the industry, as all foldable phones to date have a crease. Samsung has just launched the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which has a dramatically thinner and lighter form factor than previous models. However, I only needed to unfold the device to notice the ever-present display crease. It looks like there's good news if you want a crease-free screen, though. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo tweeted (spotted via MacRumors) that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 will use 'laser-drilled display metal plates to compete with the foldable iPhone.' Kuo adds that Apple's foldable uses these same parts to enable a crease-free design. In other words, it sounds like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 could also gain a crease-free folding screen. If confirmed, this would finally remedy an issue that has persisted since the first Galaxy Fold back in 2019. Subsequent foldable phone releases have delivered much smaller display gutters, but no manufacturer has managed to eliminate them altogether. It's also unclear whether the Galaxy Z Flip 8 will use these same parts and could, therefore, also gain a crease-free display. Nevertheless, we're glad to see the technology coming together to eliminate one of the more annoying things about foldable phones. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
GSM Arena
5 days ago
- Business
- GSM Arena
Kuo: Galaxy Z Fold8 to introduce crease-free display before Apple
Samsung Display has been rumored to bring a crease-free folding screen for Apple's foldable iPhone but a new report from Ming Chi-Kuo suggests the new gen panel will actually make its debut on next year's Galaxy Z Fold8. Galaxy Z Fold7 One of Samsung Display's key suppliers, Fine M-Tec, announced that it would invest a reported KRW 17.5 billion ($12.6 million) to support growing demand for its new generation of laser-processed hinges. The company has developed an internal hinge utilizing laser-drilled metal plates, which will help guide stress distribution and offer enhanced crease resistance. Fine M-Tec is expected to supply over 80% of the internal hinges for Apple's folding iPhone display and Kuo is also confident it will be the exclusive supplier for the Z Fold8. The new report also suggests that Apple's entry in the foldable phone market and its strict requirements for crease-free folding display will accelerate the adoption of laser-drilled display metal plates by competitors. Source
