The Zhitong Finance App learned that Omdia published an article stating that it is unlikely that Apple (AAPL.US) will launch a flip-top folding screen iPhone because this will compete with its current 6.1-inch to 6.9-inch iPhone products. Instead, the agency predicts that Apple will launch a 7.9-inch expandable book-style folding product, which is more meaningful than simply expanding the screen size of the same device while increasing the screen size and user usage scenarios.

Apple's product line may plan to add 7.9-inch smartphones and 20.3-inch tablets equipped with foldable OLED displays. After the release of the above products, Apple's product line will be able to meet users' needs for various screen sizes, covering everything from smartphones to computers and monitors.

As specifications, performance, manufacturing scale, reliability, and cost increase, and smartphone users increasingly focus on foldable handheld devices, the folding screen market is expected to grow to more than 120 million pieces per year by 2030. And this is just the tip of the iceberg in the smartphone display panel market, which has more than 1.5 billion pieces. The application of OLED display panels in smartphones has not only benefited from innovation in smartphone screen applications and the implementation of new products and new process technology, but also contributed greatly to the increase in product prices and manufacturer revenue.

Today, most major smartphone brands and OEMs are launching folding phones. However, no news has yet been announced as to when Apple will launch its own foldable smart handheld device. Omdia predicts that the foldable OLED panel market is expected to grow significantly from 23.1 million in 2023 to 32.9 million in 2024, with all shipped panels being used for smartphone applications. Starting in 2024, some display panel manufacturers plan to launch 13 to 17 inch folding screen display panels for laptops and tablets.

Will Apple launch a folding phone? If a folding phone were to be launched, what would the size of the OLED display panel be when the device is folded and unfolded? Furthermore, will the devices launched by Apple be internal folding screen phones and equipped with an extended secondary screen similar to current mainstream folding phones? Or a flip-top or book-style folding phone? If Apple actually launches a foldable handheld device that can switch between smartphone and tablet modes, what impact will it have on the iPad series products?

Although backplane technology has become more mature over the years and the effective area of the display panel has continued to expand, the size and shape of the Apple iPhone display panel has not changed since the iPhone 14. The product line includes four models: iPhone Standard Edition, iPhone Plus, iPhone Pro, and iPhone Pro Max.

The flexible OLED screen is stable in size between 6.06 inches and 6.69 inches. From the iPhone 14 to the iPhone 18, the display panel of the iPhone series has remained relatively unchanged. However, with the advancement of technology, display panels can integrate more and more functions, such as using a fan-out zone structure in the effective area of the OLED to reduce the frame area, using microlenses with no polarizer (pol-less) technology to improve brightness, and installing infrared sensors and Face ID under the panel. However, some of these technologies may take more time to develop, and final implementation will take time.

The design of the iPhone display panel has evolved from a groove to a smart island with holes, which is enough proof that the iPhone's technology and appearance are mature.

While “maturing”, the need for “iterative updates” is also imminent. Apple may be considering launching the following products:

The more cost-effective iPhone SE is equipped with a 6.12-inch OLED display panel and LTPS back panel. This product is aimed at economical buyers.

The new folding screen iPhone will use a new book-like folding shape and be equipped with two display panels. The secondary screen size of the folding cover will be between 6.1 inches and 6.3 inches, and the size of the foldable OLED main screen will be between 7.7 inches and 7.9 inches. The phone will be equipped with the latest iOS system, is highly adaptable, and has high usability and flexibility to match the folding screen display panel. The folding screen display panel of the new iPhone will expand the screen size to a maximum of 7.9 inches or more. According to Omdia estimates, Apple will define this device as a convertible device between a smartphone and tablet (iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro series).

When it comes to foldable laptops and tablets, the display panels of Apple laptop and tablet products are gradually shifting from LCD to OLED. These products use the most advanced OLED technology, hybrid backplane (mixed oxide low temperature polysilicon (LTPO) or oxide backplane), RGB tandem stack structure, and dynamic frame rate technology.

The reason why Apple chose to transition from LCD to OLED display panels is because OLEDs have a lightweight and slim design, self-emitting technology with pixel-level dimming (meets HDR requirements), ultra-low response time, variable frame rate (reduces power consumption), and a wider color gamut.

Mid-range laptop and tablet products (such as the iPad Air and MacBook Air) may also switch to an OLED display panel, but Omdia believes Apple may choose a lower cost version and replace it with an LTPS backplane, a single-layer RGB structure, and a 60Hz frame rate.

Omdia's scenario analysis shows that Apple may be considering launching a new foldable computer with a large 20.3-inch OLED display panel, an RGB tandem stack structure and an LTPO TFT back panel. It targets users who need a larger screen than a MacBook but smaller than an all-in-one machine (AIO). At the same time, Apple is also committed to meeting portability requirements while ensuring low power consumption.

Currently, the iPhone series products range in size from 6.1 inches to 6.9 inches, while the iPad series products range in size from 8.3 inches to 12.9 inches. This means that folding phones with 7- to 8-inch displays can perfectly match the needs of the mobile device market.

On the other hand, MacBook series products range in size from 13.6 inches to 16.2 inches, while Apple's all-in-one computers and monitors range in size from 24 inches to 32 inches. Similarly, foldable laptops and tablets with 18 to 22-inch display panels can also have a niche in this particular market.

If it also launches foldable smartphones, laptops, and tablets, Apple will be able to provide a full range of mobile devices to meet the needs of full-size display panels between 6 inches and 24 inches.