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Apple has begun early development work on a foldable iPhone and is planning incremental changes to its iPhone 2021 range, although a major upgrade could include the inclusion of an on-screen fingerprint sensor.
According to a Bloomberg report on Friday, Apple has not yet strengthened its plans to launch a foldable iPhone. So far, it has developed prototypes of foldable screens for internal testing, but the work has not expanded much beyond the screen.
It seems that Apple’s foldable screen is based on a “largely invisible hinge with electronics parked behind the display.” Technical giant Cupertino also discussed various screen size options, including a device that can roll up to a 6.7-inch footprint, such as the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Bloomberg notes that Apple doesn’t even have a full prototype phone yet, and points out that a foldable iPhone is either years away or may never debut.
Rumors of an “iPhone Fold” have appeared periodically for years, although the concept exists mainly in the form of numerous patents. Previous reports have suggested that Apple is internally testing foldable iPhone prototypes.
Instead of a foldable iPhone, Apple is said to be focusing on its next line of iPhone and iPad devices to launch later in 2021. Internally, 2021 is shaping up to be an “S” year for the iPhone, with few designs. or major features. changes compared to the iPhone 12 series.
It seems that Apple is still testing a significant major update for the so-called “iPhone 13”, and this is an on-screen fingerprint reader.
The company dropped 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 were also indications that Apple was working to bring the feature back to its premium phones to complete Face ID.
In August 2019, TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that the iPhone 2021 line could include both Face ID and Touch ID. Qualcomm, which is said to be the likely supplier of fingerprint sensor components, also recently launched a much faster fingerprint reader.
The company also plans to fix the charging port in a future iPhone model, leaving the MagSafe and Qi charger as the only charging technologies available. For the iPad, it is said that Apple is 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.