Analyst says Apple aiming for a 2020 release of the device

Mar 24, 2018 18:46 GMT  ·  By

Apple is planning to release a foldable iPhone in 2020, according to a new analyst investor note, and the company is now working with Asian suppliers on the first phases of the project.

Rumors previously indicated that Apple and LG collaborated on building a foldable iPhone concept, and now it looks like the device is taking shape, though it’s not known at this point who Cupertino is seeking to work with for the new model.

Apple, however, is expanding its display partnership with LG as the company tries to reduce reliance on Samsung, and if a foldable iPhone is indeed planned, this is the first screen manufacturer that is expected to be considered for the project.

Samsung, Lenovo, Microsoft also exploring foldable screens

Bank of America Merrill Lynch says 2020 is a likely target for the foldable iPhone, though it’s important to note that plans could change overnight depending on how work advances in this regard.

“We expect the iPhones this fall to be largely unchanged for the OLED versions although size changes have proved to be a catalyst in the past,” analyst Wamsi Mohan was quoted as saying. “Our checks also suggest that Apple is working with suppliers on a foldable phone (that potentially could double up as a tablet) for launch in 2020.”

Apple investing in foldable phones isn’t at all a surprising move, as several other manufacturers are also said to be looking into building similar devices. Samsung, for instance, is believed to be aiming for a 2019 release of its foldable handset, though there are rumors that the launch could take place even sooner, possibly this year.

Others, including Lenovo, are believed to be planning phones with foldable displays too, but up to this point, projects haven’t advanced past the concept stage. Software giant Microsoft is also said to be exploring this market with its own device, though in this case the company is believed to be looking into a new form factor with phone capabilities, rather than a smartphone per se with foldable screens.