Apple Inc. has begun early work on an
iPhone with a foldable screen, a potential rival to similar devices from
Samsung Electronics Co. and others, though it’s planning only minor changes for this year’s iPhone line.
The Cupertino, California-based company has developed prototype foldable screens for internal testing, but hasn’t solidified plans to actually launch a foldable iPhone. The development work hasn’t expanded beyond a display, meaning Apple doesn’t yet have full handset prototypes in its labs, according to a person familiar with the work, who asked not to be identified discussing private matters.
Like Samsung’s Galaxy Fold, the Motorola Razr reboot and other offerings from Chinese companies including Huawei Technologies Co., a foldable iPhone would let Apple make a device with a larger screen in a more pocketable package. Apple has internally discussed a number of foldable screen sizes, including one that unfolds to a similar size as the 6.7-inch display on the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Current foldable phones have screens that are from 6 and 8 inches unfolded.
The foldable Apple screens in testing, like those from Samsung, have a mostly invisible hinge with the electronics stationed behind the display, the person said. Other companies, including Microsoft Corp., have recently launched devices with visible hinges separating two distinct panels. An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment.
This would be a radical departure for Apple. Its pioneering touchable, all-screen smartphone is arguably the most successful consumer technology product in history, helping make Apple the world’s most valuable company. However, a foldable iPhone is likely years away or ultimately may never be introduced. The company is currently focused on launching its next-generation flagship iPhones and iPads later this year.
Apple isn’t planning major changes for this year’s iPhone line given the enhancements made to the smartphone in 2020, including 5G and new designs, according to people familiar with the situation. Inside Apple, engineers consider the next iPhones another “S” version of the device, the nomenclature typically given to new iPhones with minor upgrades.
CES 2021: Rollable Phones & 5G Devices Will Change How You Use Smartphones
Future Of Tech
This year began on a futuristic note, thanks to the Consumer Electronics Show 2021 (CES 2021).
Forced by the Covid-19 pandemic to go digital, the show that kicked off on Monday concluded today. The virtual tech show, which usually welcomes a massive gathering of spectators in Las Vegas each year, showcased some of the biggest creations in artificial intelligence, concept cars, smart homes, along with an impressive lineup of smartphones.
The smartphones category at the CES 2021 was a perfect mix of budget-friendly and premium devices, heavily packed with the latest features.
Many of the smartphones launched at the show are expected to hit the shelves this year. Here’s a list of best smartphones released at CES 2021.
TCL’s 20 5G and 20 SE
TCL Technology, a Chinese state-owned multinational company, on Monday launched two budget-friendly phones, the TCL 20 5G and the TCL 20 SE at CES 2021 on Monday. TCL 20 5G, a higher-end model, is priced at EUR 299 (Rs 26,600 approx.) and is available in two colour options – Mist Grey and Placid Blue. While it’s already available in Italy, reports suggest it will be rolled out across the world in February.
The TCL 20 SE is tagged at EUR 149 (Rs 13,300 approx.) and comes in two different colours – Aurora Green and Nuit Black. It’s scheduled to be launched around the world sometime in January.
TCL 20 5G: What’s in the box
Display: 6.70-inch
Processor: Snapdragon 690 5G
Battery: 4,500mAh
Camera: 48MP primary, additional 8MP wide camera, 2MP macro camera
Front camera: 8MP
RAM: 6GB
Storage: Up to 256GB, expandable via microSD card
Connectivity: USB Type-C port, 3.5mm audio jack
TCL 20 SE: What’s in the box
Display: 6.82-inch
Processor: Snapdragon 460
Battery: 5,000mAh
Camera: 48MP primary, additional 5MP wide angle, 2MP depth camera and 2MP macro.
Front camera: 8-megapixel
RAM: 4GB
Storage: Up to 256GB, expandable via microSD card
Connectivity: USB Type-C port, 3.5mm audio jack
Motorola’s G Stylus And One 5G Ace
Motorola showed off its new smartphones from G-series Moto G Stylus 2021 and the Motorola One 5G Ace.
Both devices are under the Rs 30,000 range with Moto G Stylus 2020 priced at $299 (Rs 22,000 approx.), and the Motorola One 5G Ace available at $399.99 (Rs 29,500 approx). G Stylus 2020 comes in two colour variants – Aurora White and Aurora Black, while One 5G Ace comes in Frosted White colour only.
Motorola G Stylus: What’s in the box?
Display: 6.80-inch
Processor: Snapdragon 678
Battery: 4,000mAh
Camera: 48MP primary camera, additional 8MP, 2MP depth and 2MP macro
Front camera: 16-megapixel
OS: Android 10
RAM: 4BG
Storage: Up to 128GB inbuilt, can expand up to 512GB via microSD card
Connectivity: USB Type-C port, 3.5mm audio jack
Motorola One 5G Ace: What’s in the box?
Display: 6.70-inch
Processor: Snapdragon 750G 5G
Battery: 5,000mAh
Camera: 48MP primary, additional 8MP and 2MP
Front camera: 16MP
OS: Android 10
RAM: 4GB
Storage: Up to 64GB inbuilt, can expend up to 1TB via microSD card
Connectivity: USB Type-C port, 3.5mm audio jack
Alcatel 1S
Produced under TCL Technology license, Nokia-owned company Alcatel, on January 13, released 1S – the most affordable and pocket-friendly model with impressive features. Priced EUR 109 (Rs. 9,700 approx.), 1S 2021 comes in two colour options – Twilight Blue and Elegant Black. The phone is expected to hit the markets in February.
One of the key features of the phone in this amazing budget is its split screen mode which lets you run through multiple apps simultaneously.
What’s in the box?
Display: 6.52-inch
Processor: Octa-core
Battery: 3060mAh
Camera: 13MP primary along with 2MP depth, 2MP macro
Front camera: 5MP
OS: Android 11
RAM: 3GB
Storage: Up to 32GB inbuilt storage, can extend to 128GB via microSD card.
Connectivity: USB Type-C port, 3.5mm audio jack
Coming soon: Rollables
The South Korean tech company, LG, mesmerised the CES digital crowd with its all-new rollable device. The company teased a glimpse of the smartphone that rolls up, proving its dominance over foldable phones. The company will launch its rollable smartphones by the end of this year.
Apart from LG, TCL, too, came rolling with the same concept, which doesn’t have a name or a release date, yet. TCL said that its device will expand from a 6.7-inch to a 7.8-inch tablet at a touch of a finger.
The Covid-19 pandemic has also complicated product development, with Apple hardware engineers only working at the company’s Silicon Valley offices a few days a week and in limited numbers. That has meant offloading work to Apple’s engineers in China.
Last year, the pandemic delayed the iPhone 12’s release by several weeks, but Apple was able to still include nearly every intended feature except an accessory dubbed “AirTags” for locating physical items like backpacks and keys. The company now plans to launch that accessory this year, and it is planning multiple accessories for it including a leather keychain. Samsung announced a similar gizmo earlier this month.
Though overall changes will be minor, Apple is still testing a key upgrade for 2021: an in-screen fingerprint reader. This would add a new method for users to unlock their iPhone, going beyond a passcode and Face ID facial recognition. Apple started to move away from fingerprint sensors in 2017 with the launch of the iPhone X, but Touch ID has remained as a feature on Mac laptops and cheaper iPhones since then. Qualcomm Inc., which provides Apple with 5G modems, earlier this month announced a faster in-screen fingerprint sensor.
The feature would be convenient in an environment where users wear masks, which are often incompatible with facial recognition. An in-screen fingerprint reader, which has also been featured on Android phones for several years, could also be quicker than Face ID for some users. Apple won’t remove its facial recognition scanner though as it’s still useful for augmented reality and camera features.
Apple has also discussed removing the charging port for some iPhone models in favor of wireless charging. The company moved to a magnetic MagSafe charging system with the iPhone 12, in addition to removing the charging brick from the iPhone box last year. It’s also bringing this charging technology back to the MacBook Pro.
For its tablet line, Apple is planning a new iPad Pro that looks similar to the current model but adds a MiniLED display and much faster processor. A thinner and lighter entry-level iPad that uses the same design as the 2019 iPad Air is also in the works.