Because the screen failed to pass the test, Apple's folding screen mobile phone project was suspended, which may be related to hinge technology

Apple's folding screen mobile phone has been suspended because the screen has failed to pass the test, what is going on? Why can't the world's No. 1 mobile phone brand make a folding screen mobile phone? Today we will talk about this matter.

Recently, according to a report by the authoritative technology media DigiTimes, as early as 5 years ago, Apple launched the research and development of folding screen mobile phones, involving two types: horizontal folding and vertical folding.

So why has it been several years since this phone came out? The report said that Apple's requirements for folding screens are extremely high, and the supplier's screens have never been able to meet expectations. Regarding this screen, it was previously reported that it was Samsung who provided Apple with a foldable display, but in the end this screen failed Apple's rigorous testing.

We don't know how high Apple's standards are, so high that they can't mass-produce mobile phones, because mainstream mobile phone brands such as Huawei, OPPO, vivo, Xiaomi, and Samsung have launched folding screen mobile phones early and gained a large number of high-end users.

For example, in terms of sales, according to statistics from market research institute TrendForce, the global shipment of folding screen mobile phones in 2023 will be 15.9 million units, a year-on-year increase of 25%, and the growth momentum is good. However, compared with the entire smartphone market, its proportion is only about 1.4%, which is still very small.

In addition, it is expected that in 2024, global folding screen mobile phone shipments may reach 17.7 million units, a year-on-year increase of about 11%, and the proportion of the entire smartphone market will also rise slightly to 1.5%.

However, this is also understandable, the folding screen mobile phone itself is more expensive, and it is also targeted at a niche group, compared with the low-end mobile phone, the sales volume must be much worse. But it is precisely because of the relatively small proportion that there is more room for development.

Therefore, as the world's leading mobile phone manufacturer, it may only be a matter of time before a folding screen mobile phone is launched, but the reason behind the delay in launching it is thought-provoking.

At present, although the technical development of folding screen mobile phones has become mature, there are still some common problems, such as creases, leakage, etc., resulting in short service life and high maintenance costs. In other words, the research and development of folding screen technology is extremely difficult. Therefore, we have to mention hinge patents here, such as Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO and other mobile phone manufacturers, all of which have their own hinge patent technology.

Just now, in order to release the folding screen mobile phone Pocket 2, which is equipped with the industry's first basalt waterdrop hinge, which also makes the screen of Pocket 2 in the open state, showing a flatness beyond the past, with strong technological advancement.

So Apple's difficulties in folding screens are also related to hinge technology? Because other manufacturers have been mass-producing folding screen mobile phones for many years, and there are a large number of patented technologies. Now it's really hard to find a new way to bypass these patented technologies and develop a new hinge solution that has never been done before. In the process of testing, it is also possible that the requirements are never met and finally the shutdown is chosen.

In addition, there is another point, as time goes by, the development of hinge technology will become more and more difficult, because no one can stand still, so at this time, it may be a better choice to change the subdivision track.

Again, according to DigiTimes, Apple's first foldable product is not an iPhone, but is most likely a "bigger device", similar to a tablet or laptop. It is said that the development of this product is in the final stage, and mass production is likely to be around 2025.

I have to say that after the death of Qiao's gang leader, Apple no longer has the huge lead it had before in terms of innovation ability and technical ability. For example, in addition to folding screen mobile phones, Apple has also encountered great difficulties in self-developed 5G baseband, and can only rely on cooperation with Qualcomm to solve it in a short period of time. In short, if you continue to eat your old book and rely on the feelings of fans to pay, it is not a long-term solution. We have an old saying, if you don't advance, you will retreat, so this sentence is also very reasonable in the field of science and technology, do you agree?