Apple pauses foldable iPhone development amid screen failures

Rumors from China suggest that Apple has halted the development of its foldable iPhone due to issues with supplier displays failing to meet the company's strict testing standards.

According to tech blogger Fixed Focus Digital, Apple has been exploring foldable device development since 2016 and has been testing rival foldable phones as part of its research. Some of these devices reportedly feature displays from Samsung, a major supplier to Apple.

However, sources claim that Samsung's latest folding panels failed Apple's internal testing, leading to the suspension of the project until suitable displays can be developed.

Despite actively prototyping foldable iPhones for over five years, these devices are not expected to feature in Apple's product roadmap for 2024 or 2025 unless they meet Apple's high standards.

While the credibility of the source remains in question, it is unknown if this suspension will affect Apple's work on the foldable iPad, which the company is rumored to be more interested in developing.

Earlier reports suggested Apple might launch a foldable device in the next few years, potentially replacing the iPad mini with a 7- to 8-inch foldable device.