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Apple has begun early development work on a foldable iPhone and is planning incremental changes to its 2021 iPhone range, although a major update could include a fingerprint sensor on the screen.
According to one Bloomberg report Friday, Apple has not yet consolidated plans to launch a foldable iPhone. So far it has developed prototypes of folding screens for internal testing, but the work has not extended much beyond the screen.
According to reports, Apple’s folding screen is based on a “mostly invisible hinge with the electronics behind the screen.” Technology giant Cupertino has also debated several screen size options, including a device that can be deployed with a 6.7-inch footprint like the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Bloomberg notes that Apple doesn’t even have a full prototype phone, and points out that a foldable iPhone is years old or may never debut.
Rumors about an “iPhone Fold” have appeared periodically for years, although the concept exists mainly in the form of numerous patents. Previous reports suggest that Apple is internally testing foldable iPhone prototypes.
Instead of a foldable iPhone, Apple is said to be focusing on its next range of iPhone and iPad devices for launch later in 2021. Internally, 2021 is becoming an “S” year for on the iPhone, with few important designs or features. changes compared to the iPhone 12 series.
According to reports, Apple is still testing a major significant update to the so-called “iPhone 13,” which is a fingerprint reader on the screen.
The company abandoned Touch ID on its flagship devices in 2017, but the fingerprint authentication system is still used in several current iPhone, iPad and Mac models. There have also been indications that Apple has been working to bring the feature back to its premium phones to complement Face ID.
In August 2019, TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that the 2021 iPhone line could include both Face ID and Touch ID. Qualcomm, which is said to be the likely supplier of fingerprint sensor components, also recently unveiled a much faster fingerprint reader.
The company is also considering fixing the charging port on a future iPhone model, leaving the MagSafe and Qi charger as the only charging technologies available. For the iPad, Apple is said to be planning a new iPad Pro similar to the current model, but with a mini LED display and a faster processor.
Finally, Bloomberg confirms that Apple will launch an “AirTags” tracking device in 2021.