The battle between Samsung and Apple is in full swing at retail stores as the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and Galaxy Note 8 all go head to head for the hearts and minds of consumers. Plus, of course, the iPhone X is slated to be released at the beginning of November. However, things are really heating up behind the scenes as the two smartphone giants begin working on future devices that could potentially change the way we use smartphones.
A lot of talk has been going around lately about Samsung’s Galaxy X smartphone. It’s expected to feature a foldable display and launch sometime in 2018. Apple, not wanting to be left out on the fun, has reportedly tapped LG to begin working on a display for a foldable iPhone. If true, this is a pretty big step for Apple who just revealed a complete redesign of the iPhone with their iPhone X launch back in September. Another redesign in order to release a foldable iPhone would be a sure sign that Apple is committed to holding onto their place in the smartphone industry.
The most interesting part of this report is that Apple has chosen LG to manufacture the displays for the foldable iPhone. Of course, Samsung is the company in charge of building the new OLED display for the iPhone X. However, it sounds like Apple is concerned that using Samsung to build displays for the top-secret foldable iPhone could lead to leaks that compromise their design and reveal their plans to their biggest competitor. Another factor is the opening of a new OLED display factory by LG. When the factory is opened sometime in 2018, it would be able to produce the number of displays required by Apple for a successful launch. Of course, if the rumors are true, the reason that Apple has had to delay the release of the iPhone X to November is because of slow OLED display production from Samsung. Basically, it sounds like Apple is partnering with LG for a long term play.
Clearly this is just the start of the foldable iPhone rumors. Apple is still well behind Samsung when it comes to developing foldable displays. This may prove to be a good thing for Apple. They can take their time developing a foldable iPhone and gauge the interest of the market in such a device. If Samsung’s Galaxy X is a flop and consumers clearly prefer traditional smartphone designs then Apple may back away from their plans to release a foldable iPhone. Or, they will get an opportunity to learn where Samsung has failed and release a foldable iPhone that addresses the issues bothering consumers who choose not to buy foldable smartphones.
So, unlike Samsung who will have a foldable smartphone on the market sometime next year; Apple is looking ahead several years when it comes to their partnership with LG. Realistically, we may not see a foldable iPhone until 2019 or 2020. By then, Apple and Samsung should have a good idea about what people want from a foldable smartphone if they even want one at all.
In the meantime, Apple has the impending release of the iPhone X to worry about. Their dramatic new redesign marks a new chapter for the iPhone lineup and could be a sign that the company is ready to experiment. The only problem could be getting your hands on an iPhone X. If rumors are true, it sounds like there could be extremely limited numbers of the hot new device available for sale. Pre-ordering will be an absolute must if you plan to have one on release day.
What do you think about this growing foldable smartphone craze? Are they the perfect mix of smartphones and clamshell flip phones or are they another gimmick that won’t sell very well to the general public? We want to hear your thoughts! Comment below!
