Apple has been working on a foldable smartphone long ago. But still, there is no official information concerning a new device with such a form factor. So all we have are rumors from various Apple analysts or Twitter/Weibo tipsters. In this sense, recently, Ming-Chi Kuo tweeted that the Cupertino-based manufacturer is testing a new foldable with a color display from E Ink. The latter should serve as an external screen. “The color EPD [Electronic Paper Display] has the potential to become a mainstream solution for foldable devices’ must-have cover/second screen thanks to its excellent power-saving,” the analyst wrote in a tweet. He adds that the E Ink display is also being tested in “tablet-like applications.”
Apple is testing E Ink's Electronic Paper Display (EPD) for future foldable device's cover screen & tablet-like applications. The color EPD has the potential to become a mainstream solution for foldable devices' must-have cover/second screen thanks to its excellent power-saving.
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) May 17, 2022
Also Read: Foldable Smartphones Market To Grow 53% By 2024
Currently, there are various tablet-like foldable smartphones on the market. Most of them come with a relatively smaller outer screen that allows users to quickly check notifications. However, foldable smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 or the Oppo Find N use OLED panels for both. So if Apple launches a foldable smartphone with an E Ink screen, the latter will differ from those on the market in terms of responsiveness. We should also note that Apple is doing this in order to reduce power consumption.
E Ink vs OLED and LCD
E Ink is a monochrome display used in some products, such as the Amazon Kindle and Hisense smartphones. However, this company also makes color screens. For instance, not that long ago, we saw the E Ink Gallery 3, a new version of its color E Ink technology. The latter can produce more colors at a higher resolution. Moreover, its refresh rate is much higher than the company’s previous color screens. In fairness, it still can’t compete with the responsiveness of OLED or LCD panels. The company also released some promo videos showing the display can be folded or rolled.
Well, prior to this, we’ve heard that the Cupertino-based firm will adopt an inward folding solution for its upcoming foldable smartphone. According to Kuo’s predictions, the screen size will reach 9 inches. The earliest launch date has been assumed to be 2025. However, apart from this, reportedly, Apple has been working on a 20-inch foldable device. The latter wouldn’t see light until 2026. As for the Apple foldable phone with an E Ink display, there is no info referring to its size.
As said, we don’t think the first Apple foldable devices will hit the market in the coming two years or so. The company is late. But Apple can make a furor with such a smartphone and start a new era in the smartphone field.
