14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is believed to be working on a foldable Surface model that could go live sometime next year, and now a tech analyst not only that shares more details about this device, but also provides us with a closer look at the competing products from other brands.
Jeff Lin, Associate Director, Consumer Electronics at IHS Markit, told Forbes that the foldable Surface is likely to feature 9-inch displays with a resolution of 1440x1920 pixels and 267 PPI.
Previous information indicated that the foldable Surface could have an aspect ratio of 4:3 and come with full support for Android apps. These new details confirm the aspect ratio, but add that both displays would produce a 13-inch screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio.
The analyst says Microsoft is also working on a Book Mode for the new Surface, which would technically allow the displays to fold and unfold just like a typical book.
Microsoft reportedly estimates demand to reach a maximum of 40,000 units per month.
Apple’s foldable iPad
Lin goes on to add that Apple is also interested in building an iPad OS device that would compete against Microsoft’s foldable Surface, but explains that Cupertino first needs to bring its 5G iPhone to the market and then begin the development of this device.
A 5G-capable iPhone is expected in 2020, powered by a Qualcomm modem.
“We think Apple will follow [a] similar Microsoft concept to develop the foldable device with iPad OS and Apple A series processors,” the analyst told the cited source, adding that this foldable iPad would have the same display size as the MacBook.
“Apple needs to solve 5G iPhone development issue for [the] 2020 new iPhone launch first,” he continued.
Neither Microsoft nor Apple confirmed their foldable device plans, so take the info here with a healthy dose of skepticism.