After years of delays, Apple’s quest for perfection is setting up the foldable iPhone for massive disappointment.
*Image credit: Technizo Concept*
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### A Tale as Old as Time: The Foldable iPhone Delayed Yet Again
The foldable iPhone has reportedly been delayed once more. While this hasn’t been officially confirmed, all signs point to another setback in Apple’s timeline. The reason? The company’s relentless pursuit of perfection.
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### Foldable iPhone Delayed: The Quest for the Perfect Hinge
Apple’s foldable iPhone—often referred to as the iPhone Fold—is said to be delayed due to difficulties sourcing a hinge mechanism that makes the crease almost invisible. This challenge explains why Apple has taken so long to enter the foldable smartphone market: it wants to do things *the Apple way*.
And that means creating a foldable phone unlike any other in the world.
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### The Problem: It’s Not Yet Possible
Currently, technology does not allow for a foldable smartphone with a completely invisible crease—Apple’s ultimate goal. If Apple continues chasing this ideal design, the foldable iPhone’s release could be delayed for several more years.
However, Apple doesn’t necessarily need to hold out for this impossible standard. Devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 already feature creases that are practically invisible to the naked eye during normal use. The crease only becomes noticeable when the phone is held at certain angles.
Apple could have launched a foldable iPhone by now that rivals the Galaxy Z Fold 7—or even the Z Fold 6—but it refuses to compromise.
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### Do You Agree With Apple’s Quest for Perfection?
– Yes, it’s admirable — 50%
– No, it’s a fool’s errand — 50%
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### Setting Up the Foldable iPhone for Disappointment
I fear Apple is setting the foldable iPhone up for massive disappointment. Here’s why:
1. **Delayed Launch Timeline**
Initially, the foldable iPhone was expected to launch next year alongside the iPhone 18 lineup. With the iPhone 18 anticipated to feature only minor changes, the foldable iPhone would have been the star of the show. However, if its release slips to 2027, it will be up against the 20th anniversary iPhone Pro—a device rumored to feature an edge-to-edge display with no cutouts.
2. **Sky-High Expectations**
After years of delays and anticipation, it’s unlikely the foldable iPhone will meet the massive expectations of iPhone fans. If, after all this time, the foldable iPhone launches merely as a device similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 but running iOS, many fans will feel let down.
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### This Is No Time for Perfection, Apple
On top of that, Apple shouldn’t be chasing perfection while grappling with issues in its existing products.
The company has faced years of problematic software updates—one of the most notable being the iPadOS 18 update, which bricked some M4 iPad models. Now, hardware challenges have surfaced as well.
For instance, the new iPhone 17 Pro redesign intended to improve cellular coverage has stumbled into issues. Cellular reception was reportedly poor, and software updates haven’t remedied the problem for all users. Durability concerns have also emerged, with the new aluminum chassis prone to fall damage despite its excellent heat dissipation qualities. Furthermore, some Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro models are experiencing color fading, gradually turning from orange to pink.
This is hardly an isolated incident. To me, these issues suggest Apple has plenty of existing problems that deserve its immediate attention.
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### Why Apple Should Just Deliver the Foldable iPhone, and Improve Later
Pursuing the world’s most perfect foldable smartphone is not only technically unfeasible right now but also questionable given Apple’s current challenges.
Instead, Apple should focus on releasing a functional foldable iPhone and iterate on it over time. Hardware and software refinements can come with subsequent models, but delaying endlessly in search of perfection risks losing momentum and disappointing fans.
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