**Apple’s Upcoming Innovations: iPhone 20 and the First iPhone Flip Foldable**
Apple is preparing for a monumental advancement in smartphone technology with the expected debut of its inaugural foldable iPhone, unofficially referred to as the iPhone Fold or iPhone 18 Fold, anticipated next year. This device aims to take on current foldable contenders such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, potentially presenting a distinctive aspect ratio.
Alongside the iPhone Fold, a fresh report from the Korean news source ETNews indicates that Apple is concurrently developing a Flip-style foldable iPhone, estimated to launch in 2028. This model would succeed the arrival of Apple’s 20th anniversary iPhone, predicted for 2027, which could be branded as the iPhone 20. This tactic reflects the rollout of the iPhone X during Apple’s 10th anniversary in 2017.
Kim Ki-hyun, director of the market analysis firm Stone Partners, outlined several innovations Apple is planning for these forthcoming iPhones. He anticipates that Apple will broaden the implementation of OLED screens across a wider range of devices, initiating with the iPad mini and MacBook Pro in 2026, followed by the iPad Air in 2027, and the MacBook Air after 2028. The first foldable iPad is likely to emerge after 2029, featuring an LTPO+ display.
**Major Display Innovations for iPhone 20**
The iPhone 20 is poised to unveil revolutionary display technologies in 2027, including LTPO+ OLED screens, four-sided banding technology, color-filter-on-encapsulation (COE), under-display sensor (UDIR), and a “crater” display brightness system. LTPO+ builds upon existing LTPO panels by decreasing expenses, while COE boosts efficiency by eliminating the polarizer from the display. UDIR will permit Apple to embed Face ID components beneath the screen, reducing the Dynamic Island notch. The four-sided banding technology aspires to achieve bezel-less displays by rounding all four edges of the screen. The “crater” innovation tackles brightness consistency across the OLED panel.
**The First iPhone Flip Foldable in 2028**
In 2028, Apple intends to broaden its foldable portfolio with the iPhone Flip, a clamshell design that follows the iPhone Fold. Key technologies for this model include CPM, Clear OC, under-display camera (UDC), and Glass Mid Frame (GMF). CPM and Clear OC enhance display transmittance, whereas GMF aims to eradicate screen creasing. The UDC technology, long speculated for iPhones, may debut in the iPhone Flip, positioning the selfie camera beneath the display. If achieved, the iPhone 20 and the first foldable iPhone could lead the way in incorporating under-display sensors, with Face ID transitioning underneath the screen in 2027 and the iPhone Flip featuring an under-display selfie camera.
These innovations underscore Apple’s dedication to advancing the landscape of smartphone technology, promising thrilling developments for consumers in the years ahead.
