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Apple has started early development of a foldable iPhone and is planning step-by-step changes for its iPhone lineup for 2021, although a major upgrade could be the inclusion of an in-screen fingerprint sensor.
According to an Bloomberg reported Friday, Apple still has no firm plans to launch a foldable iPhone. So far, the prototype has developed folding screens for internal testing, but the work has not gone much further than the display.
Reportedly, Apple’s folding screen relies on a “largely invisible hinge with the electronics behind the screen.” The Cupertino tech giant has also discussed several screen sizes, including a device that folds out to a 6.7-inch footprint like the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Bloomberg notes that Apple doesn’t even have a full prototype handset yet, and points out that a folding iPhone is either years away or may never debut.
Rumors of an “iPhone fold” have been common for years, although the concept usually exists in the form of numerous patents. However, previous reports have suggested that Apple is testing folding iPhone prototypes internally.
Rather than a foldable iPhone, Apple is reportedly focusing on the next line of iPhone and iPad devices coming to market later in 2021. Internally, 2021 will be an “S” year for the iPhone, with few major designs or features. changes from the iPhone 12 series.
Apple is reportedly still testing a major update for the so-called “iPhone 13,” and that’s a built-in fingerprint reader.
The company ditched Touch ID in its flagship devices in 2017, but the fingerprint authentication system is still used in several current iPhone, iPad, and Mac models. There is also evidence that Apple has been working to bring the feature back to its premium handsets in addition to Face ID.
In August 2019, TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that the iPhone lineup for 2021 could include both Face ID and Touch ID. Qualcomm, reportedly the likely supplier of the fingerprint sensor components, also recently debuted with a much faster fingerprint reader.
The company is also considering removing the charging port in a future iPhone model, making the MagSafe charger and Qi the only charging technologies available. For the iPad, Apple would plan a new iPad Pro, similar to the current model, but with a mini LED display and a faster processor.
And last but not least, Bloomberg confirms that Apple will launch an “AirTags” tracking device in 2021.