Apple is preparing to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2023, according to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In his latest research note to investors, Kuo predicts foldable smartphones will be a “must-have” for all smartphone brands, with Apple looking to ship between 15 million and 20 million foldable iPhones during the year of launch.
Kuo suggests the device will feature an 8-inch QHD+ flexible OLED display, with SDC supplying the displays, and Samsung Foundry as the DDI foundry provider.
Based on our latest industry survey, we forecast that Apple will likely launch a foldable iPhone with an 8-inch QHD+ flexible OLED display in 2023, with SDC as the exclusive display supplier and Samsung Foundry as the exclusive DDI foundry provider. Based on Apple’s requested capacity plan, we predict that the foldable iPhone shipments will reach 15-20 million units in 2023. We expect that the foldable iPhone will adopt TPK’s silver nanowire touch solution because of its several advantages over SDC’s Y-Octa technology.
Kuo last reported on Apple’s foldable iPhone plans in March, claiming the speculated launch year would depend on whether Apple was able to solve “key technology and mass production issues” this year.
At the time, Kuo said Apple was still researching production methods with the plans still subject to possible cancelation.
Not much else is known about the secret foldable iPhone at this stage but for now, you can watch ConceptsiPhone‘s “iPhone Flip” concept video below.
Image: ConceptsiPhone
