- 0-20%: Unlikely - Lacks credible sources
- 21-40%: Questionable - Some concerns remain
- 41-60%: Plausible - Reasonable evidence
- 61-80%: Probable - Strong evidence
- 81-100%: Highly Likely - Multiple reliable sources
50%
Plausible
The hinge problems that long plagued Apple’s iPhone Fold have seemingly been addressed, allowing for the company’s first foldable flagship to enter production. However, don’t think that the upcoming launch will be a ‘one-off’ event because there’s a successor that’s said to be in the works, and it’ll have one major difference.
iPhone Fold 2 with a wider folding display is rumored to be in the works, but don’t expect Apple to use a more advanced display
Based on the latest information shared by Weibo’s Digital Chat Station, the iPhone Fold 2 will have a wider folding screen, offering an increase in the passport-style form factor to deliver extended screen real estate. Since the first-generation iPhone Fold has yet to be announced, it’s likely that Apple is testing out various prototypes before it settles on one design that’ll enter mass production.
While users can always benefit from a wider display, the rumor also mentions that we won’t witness any change in the panel technology. From what the machine-translated text implies, Apple will likely bring the same primary M16 OLED and M14 inner display for the iPhone Fold 2 to save up on component costs. Given that the M16 is the most advanced screen for this generation, it shouldn’t hurt consumers if it’s re-purposed for next year, especially when Apple is trying to combat the DRAM crisis.
With 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM estimated at $145 plus 256GB NAND flash for $51, that’s nearly $200 in components alone, so it makes perfect sense for Apple to ensure that some cost-cutting is in order. After all, which iPhone Fold owner will go through the trouble of calibrating the display to see which generation is running? We know we wouldn’t. Alongside this iPhone Fold 2 rumor, Digital Chat Station has also shared a potentially grim future for the iPhone Air lineup.
Is the iPhone Air 3 in trouble?
As per the latest claim, Apple could be done with the iPhone Air series if the succeeding model doesn’t sell according to expectations. The two notable changes that the company is bringing to the iPhone Air 2 include a dual-camera and better battery life. However, instead of the A20 Pro, Apple might use the standard A20, which could be a deal-breaker for those willing to pay a premium for the sleek flagship.
Looking at the ‘less than stellar’ reception of the iPhone Air, we doubt that Apple will continue this series past the second iteration and will likely resurrect the ‘Plus’ variants since the latter offers substantially more value for the money.
News Source: Digital Chat Station
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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