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Folding iPhone concept mock upward (Image credit: Rene Ritchie / iMore)

Ever since Motorola and Samsung released their foldable phones, people are clamoring for the next visitor to jump on the folding telephone bandwagon. At that place have been lots of people hoping Apple makes an "iPhone Flip" or "iPhone Fold" a reality, and while I certainly agree that foldable phones are likely in our future, right now, they suck, and yous shouldn't want one.

Cool concepts ≠ great products

Fold iPhone concept (Image credit: Rene Ritchie / iMore)

I hope you I take a heart, and I'one thousand not dead inside. When I encounter a mock-up of an iPhone flipping or folding, I get excited. The concepts that fans have been making look amazing, and I do beloved the idea of having an iPhone that tin do what these concepts do; however, I know that in reality, these concepts are nada but fever dreams.

There are reasons why concept products that get shown off at conventions (automobile manufacturers practise this all the time) rarely come to market place — at least not in the course they are shown. Cool concepts don't make a product inherently adept; the technology and usability need to be there for an actual product to make any sense.

How practical is a foldable iPhone?

It'southward easy to say that having an iPhone that tin can unfold into an iPad-like device would be useful, and in theory, information technology sounds cool, but how practical is it? I empathise the love of big screens, simply in a world where people think even a phone every bit big as the iPhone 11 Pro Max is too large, how is a foldable phone going to assist them? Would it not just make more sense for that consumer to purchase a smaller version of the iPhone, than buy one that tin both exist big and pocket-sized?

The same can be said for the contrary situation. If you love big screens and want a big screen to do work on, chances are y'all're going to purchase the biggest iPhone yous can or upgrade to an iPad to become that screen existent estate.

There'south likely a very small subset of people who would need and employ a foldable iPhone. In reality, it wouldn't be an iPhone that unfolds into an iPad; it would be an iPhone that unfolds into a larger iPhone — who needs that?

What advantages does a foldable phone give you?

Back before smartphones became large, flip phones were a huge deal. The original Motorola RAZR was one of the best selling clamshell phones that existed, merely that was back in the time when our only options vesture a candy bar telephone or a flip phone.

Candy bar phones were mostly a little more rugged (since they were all one piece), and perhaps a tad on the thick side. The only real advantage a flip phone had over a candy bar phone back in the day was its the ability to protect its number pad and main screen a bit better. Flip phones were naturally weaker in terms of durability because of their moving parts and thinner designs — and that hasn't inverse.

Wait until the applied science works

I'1000 non saying that a foldable iPhone should never be a reality I'1000 pretty certain somewhen Apple will make ane, but that doesn't mean you lot should want one whatever time soon. The engineering required to make foldable phones as reliable and user-friendly every bit they need to be impactful is just non here all the same.

Call back, the Galaxy Fold original design was quite flawed, lots of people had a problem with them. This caused Samsung to filibuster the device and release a new and improved version, which still had tons of durability problems. Obviously, there'due south going to be some growing pains with whatsoever new technology, but when a company is expecting you to fork over thousands of dollars, the hazard is just as well corking.

Of course, the new Galaxy Z Flip is off to a much better commencement, simply there are still reports of durability issues, and long-term durability withal remains a question mark since the device is so new.

On top of the hardware concerns, the software is another huge issue. A foldable screen brings a whole slew of usability problems along with information technology. How many apps will actually take advantage of a folding screen? Since it's up to developers to brand those changes, it can exist years after we get a foldable iPhone that all your favorite apps will even function properly on a foldable display. Think how long its been taking your favorite apps to come up out with a Dark Mode — which is objectively a much smaller change to implement than a whole new display form factor would be.

A foldable iPhone likely will exist

I'thou sure Apple is already exploring the idea of a foldable iPhone, it would be empty-headed for them non to be at this point, just the research and development needed to go a foldable iPhone correct volition have time.

Lots of people like to arraign Apple for not being innovative, only innovation needs a purpose. Innovation for the sake of innovation helps nobody, and I, for 1, am more than than happy to wait for a foldable iPhone that offers a articulate usage for consumers and is as durable every bit possible. This is ane instance where Apple waiting to jump on a trend makes sense.

I don't wish the iPhone I take right at present can flip or fold, and until Apple tree gives united states of america a reason to think any different, everyone should stop flipping out most the idea of an iPhone Flip.

Luke Filipowicz has been a author at iMore, roofing Apple for nearly a decade now. He writes a lot virtually Apple Sentinel and iPad but covers the iPhone and Mac besides. He ofttimes describes himself every bit an "Apple tree user on a upkeep" and firmly believes that groovy technology can exist affordable if yous know where to look. Luke besides heads up the iMore Testify — a weekly podcast focusing on Apple tree news, rumors, and products but likes to have some fun along the way.

Luke knows he spends more time on Twitter than he probably should, so feel free to follow him or give him a shout on social media @LukeFilipowicz.