There have been persistent rumors that claim that Apple could be working on a foldable iPhone. Some have suggested that the device in question could launch in 2023, while others claim that it will launch in 2024. However, reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo seems to be leaning more towards 2023.
According to the research note from Kuo that was also obtained by Cult of Mac, it seems that he believes that Apple’s foldable iPhone could launch in 2023. However, he does note that this will be contingent on Apple solving the foldable display technology and are able to mass produce it.
Right now, foldable displays are plagued by durability issues where eventually, it is expected that creases will form where the display folds. So far, companies such as Samsung have yet to figure out how to prevent that from happening, or perhaps extending its lifespan, so it remains to be seen if Apple can somehow figure it out before Samsung does.
Kuo also notes that the device when unfolded should become a 7.5-inch to 8-inch device, meaning that it will be roughly around the size of the iPad mini. This seems to go against an earlier report which suggested that Apple would be leaning more towards the clamshell design. Either way, 2023 is still a couple of years away so maybe don’t put so much stock into these rumors for now.