Since 2018, Apple has been exploring the possibility of folding screen iPhones, but by 2020, the project seems to have suffered a temporary standstill. Despite this, Apple has not given up on the pursuit of folding screen technology, and has instead focused on developing an inward-folding iPad that is similar in size to the iPad mini. It is reported that the development of foldable iPhones has been delayed because the screens provided by suppliers have failed to meet Apple's high-quality requirements.
Apple's strict requirements for products often exceed user expectations. In the field of folding screen technology, they pursue not only technological innovation, but also pay more attention to the perfect user experience. This near-demanding perfectionism, while slowing down innovation, has also ensured that Apple continues to deliver amazing products. It is precisely because of this dedication to perfection that many innovative ideas fail to leave the laboratory, and what consumers see is always a product that has been polished countless times and is close to perfection.
Most of the key components of folding screen technology originate in China, which makes it difficult for Apple to dominate this area as much as it does with traditional straight phone components. This situation is at odds with Apple's regular approach and its cultural values. At the same time, the United States has insufficient R&D accumulation in key technologies for folding screens, such as hinges, and does not seem to show dependence on Chinese technology.
Apple has always been committed to providing out-of-the-box utilities, not just novelty gadgets. This is also the reason why they have not launched a folding screen product so far. In Apple's view, the current folding screen technology has not yet reached the ideal standard in terms of hardware maturity and software adaptation optimization. However, it is worth noting that the iPad mini already offers an excellent user experience on its 8.3-inch screen, especially in the iPadOS system, where third-party applications are adapted and optimized excellently.