Apple now has a prototype foldable iPhone display, report says

No plans have been announced to launch a foldable iPhone yet.

Corinne Reichert Senior Writer

Corinne Reichert (she/her) grew up in Sydney, Australia and moved to California in 2019. She holds degrees in law and communications, and currently oversees the CNET breaking news desk for the West Coast. Corinne covers everything from phones, social media and security to movies, politics, 5G and pop culture. In her spare time, she watches soccer games, F1 races and Disney movies.

Expertise News

See full bio

Corinne Reichert

Jan. 15, 2021 2:04 p.m. PT

iphone-12-pro-max-product-promo-hoyle-2021-4 — Apple might be looking to add a foldable phone to its suite of products.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Apple has already begun developing a foldable iPhone, Bloomberg reported Friday. So far, the tech giant has only worked on a prototype display with no set plans for a launch date, the report said, citing unnamed sources.

The prototype foldable screen has an invisible hinge, Bloomberg said. An Apple patent for a foldable iPhone first appeared almost a year ago, but Apple has yet to announce any plans.

If it entered the market with a foldable phone, Apple would be competing with Samsung's Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Flip, as well as the Motorola Razr and Huawei Mate XS. Back in December 2018, Google similarly filed a patent for a foldable mobile device.

For the 2021 iPhones, Apple is only planning minor changes, according to the report, but could include an in-screen fingerprint sensor.

Apple didn't respond to a request for comment.

Mobile Guides

Phones

Foldable Phones

Headphones

Mobile Accessories

Smartwatches

Wireless Plans