Apple begins early work on iPhone folding, testing in-screen Touch ID for iPhone 13



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Apple has started early development work on a foldable iPhone and is planning incremental changes for its 2021 iPhone lineup, though a major upgrade could see the inclusion of a built-in fingerprint sensor. screen.

According to a Bloomberg report Friday, Apple still has not consolidated its intention to launch a foldable iPhone. So far he has developed prototypes of folding screens for internal testing, but the work has not extended much beyond display.

Apparently, Apple’s screen rests on an “almost invisible hinge with electronics placed behind the screen.” The Cupertino tech giant also discussed various screen size options, including a device that can unfold to a 6.7-inch footprint like the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Bloomberg notes that Apple doesn’t even have a full handset prototype yet, and points out that a foldable iPhone is either years away or may never debut.

Rumors of an “iPhone Fold” have surfaced periodically for years, although the concept exists mainly in the form of numerous patents. Earlier reports, however, have suggested that Apple is internally testing foldable iPhone prototypes.

Instead of a foldable iPhone, Apple would focus on its next line of iPhone and iPad devices for a launch later in 2021. Internally, 2021 is shaping up to be an “S” year for the iPhone, with little major design or functionality changes from the iPhone 12 series.

Apple is reportedly still testing a major update for the so-called “iPhone 13”, namely an integrated fingerprint reader.

The company ditched Touch ID in its flagship devices in 2017, but the fingerprint authentication system is still used in several current models of iPhone, iPad, and Mac. There have also been indications that Apple is working hard to bring the feature back to its premium handsets to complement Face ID.

In August 2019, TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that the 2021 iPhone lineup could feature both Face ID and Touch ID. Qualcomm, which would likely be the supplier of the fingerprint sensor components, also recently released a much faster fingerprint reader.

The company is also considering removing the charging port in a future iPhone model, leaving the MagSafe and Qi charger as the only charging technologies available. For the iPad, Apple is planning a new iPad Pro similar to the current model but with a mini LED screen and a faster processor.

Finally, Bloomberg confirms that Apple will launch an “AirTags” tracking device in 2021.

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