Apple could launch a foldable iPhone as early as 2023, if it's able to solve "key technology issues"

In a report for the Display Supply Chain blog, analyst Ross Young claimed that Apple is set to launch a foldable iPhone or iPad as early as 2023. Young cautions, however, that 2024 is more likely as a launch year, likely due to the "technology and supply chain issues" that Ming Chi-Kuo had discussed previously.

Earlier reports and leaks indicated that Apple's foldable device could have a screen size of up to 8 inches, with an OLED panel supplied by LG. The Apple Pencil could be bundled together with the foldable.

Samsung pioneered foldable smartphones with the 2019 Samsung Galaxy Fold, a Snapdragon 855-powered device with a 7.3-in OLED display. Early Fold devices, however, were recalled by Samsung after reports of extremely poor screen durability.

Since then, Samsung's foldables, like this year's Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G, have delivered steady improvements to the overall experience. However, the durability issues inherent to current-gen foldable panels and eyewatering prices have kept the Galaxy Fold line well out of the mainstream. Apple could be waiting to address these issues before launching its own foldable iPhone. 

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