A few hours ago, “Fix Focus Digital” – a leakster from China with 1.7 million followers – revealed that the foldable screen prototypes did not pass Apple’s tests and added that the “project has been temporarily shelved”.
The leakster also noted that the screens, measuring from 7 to 8 inches, are from Samsung and LG:
“Apple is pushing R&D (research and development) of foldable display products and has purchased devices from partners to dismantle for research. However, it is believed that the project has been temporarily shelved due to the screens not passing the tests”.
It is still unconfirmed whether Apple is prioritizing a foldable design for the iPhone or iPad, although there have been reports of at least two working prototypes that can fold like a clamshell phone, but the crease on the screen is still visible.
“Fix Focus Digital” also elaborated on this issue as follows:
“Apple is also believed to be researching ways to reduce the crease in the middle of the screen, which appears after multiple folds. The company wants a seamless device that allows users to interact with the screen and comfortably draw on it with accessories like the Apple Pencil”.
The crease on the screen is not just an issue for Apple.
Commenting on the news from the leakster, experts from tech news site 9to5mac argued:
“According to a previous conducted poll, the majority of our readers prefer a device the size of the iPhone Pro (6.1 inches) that can unfold into a screen the size of the iPad mini (8.3 inches).
The most negative interpretation (for the information from the Chinese leakster) is that there is no new news here at all.
Apple has been evaluating foldable screens from its suppliers for many years and performing all kinds of tests but has not been satisfied with what they have seen. And the recent products not meeting the company’s satisfaction is not new.
But a broader understanding could be that Apple is not satisfied with the crease in the existing prototypes and has requested its suppliers to go back to the drawing board and take a completely different approach to foldable screens.
This creates a temporary pause in the project as they wait for the new prototypes.
However, it is clear that there will be foldable Apple devices at some point.And the company will continue to research it until it has a solution that meets its standards”.
The waterdrop hinge is believed to be able to address the crease issue on the screen, but it affects the waterproof capability.
