The article published eight years ago on Gizmodo raised doubts about the future of the iPhone. At the time, the iPhone Readers imagined operations without direct touch to the surface and bolder formats for Apple devices.
Today, iPhones continue to have flat screens and rely mainly on traditional screen touch. Essa permanence reflects the maturity achieved by the tactile interface, which offers intuitive and reliable feedback for most users. Mesmo Thus, the smartphone market has evolved in other directions, with foldable models from Samsung and other brands gaining ground among consumers looking for a larger display area.
- The air gestures planned for after 2020 did not materialize on conventional iPhones.
- Finger distance reading technology remains limited compared to initial expectations.
- 3D Touch, which differentiated actions by pressure, also saw partial adoption and did not evolve to replace conventional touch.
Old expectations versus current reality of iPhones
The 2018 text highlighted rumors from Bloomberg about in-air gesture controls. Reporter Mark Gurman mentioned the possibility of operations without physical contact with the screen using proximity sensors. In practice, these features were not integrated into models launched in the following years.
The curved screen shaped like a banana also appeared as a futuristic idea. Fabricantes like LG and Samsung were already testing curved designs with OLED technology at the time. The concept did not advance to iPhones, which maintained the traditional rectangular shape.
Foldable smartphones, on the other hand, have gained traction in the market. Modelos and the Galaxy Z Fold line demonstrate that flexible displays can offer an expanded user experience. Essa trend keeps the discussion about a possible iPhone with a foldable screen alive.
Recent rumors about the first foldable iPhone
Apple is preparing to launch its first smartphone with a flexible screen for 2026. Fontes supply chain and analysts indicate that the device should adopt a book-style design, opening to reveal a larger internal screen. The device can join the launch line alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
Reports point to an internal screen measuring approximately 7.8 inches and an external screen measuring approximately 5.5 inches. The hinge must use titanium alloy and stainless steel for durability. Rumores highlight efforts to reduce or eliminate the visible crease in the folding screen.
The adapted iOS software must allow an iPad-like interface when the device is open. Isso would facilitate multitasking, video consumption and gaming with apps open side by side. Mass production of components could begin in mid-2026, with shipments scaling from July.
Technical details expected on the foldable iPhone
Analysts mention a larger battery than that of current models, possibly above 5,000 mAh, to support the larger screen. The processor must be the A20 in a 2 nanometer process, with a greater amount of RAM for fluid multitasking performance.
Rear cameras in reduced numbers compared to the current Pro appear in some leaks, prioritizing quality over quantity. The unlock may feature Touch ID on the side button instead of Face ID, accommodating the new format. The chassis would combine titanium and aluminum to keep the device thin, around 4.5 millimeters when closed.
The estimated price starts at two thousand dollars at Estados Unidos, positioning the model as a premium product. Essa range reflects the cost of flexible display technology and advanced hinge components.
Advances in gestures and spatial computing
The discussion about aerial gestures resurfaces with the development of the Apple Vision Pro. The headset uses hand, eye and voice tracking for interaction without physical touch. Parte This spatial computing technology could be adapted for future iPhones, although there is no official confirmation yet.
Current iPhones already incorporate sophisticated gestures into iOS navigation. Deslizar, multi-finger tapping and voice commands complement traditional tapping. Natural evolution can combine these elements with more advanced sensors without abandoning the precision of direct contact.
The balance between innovation and usability remains central to Apple’s decisions. Touch operation has established itself as a reliable method, which explains the caution in radical replacements.
Outlook for the smartphone market in 2026
The foldable device segment is growing with options from different brands. The entry of Apple could accelerate the adoption of this category by bringing the company’s characteristic refinement in hardware and software. Usuários Those looking for productivity on a larger screen can find the new model an alternative integrated into the Apple ecosystem.
Maintaining flat screens on conventional iPhones shows that not every futuristic prediction comes true within the imagined time frame. Instead, the company prioritizes gradual improvements that preserve the intuitive experience. The foldable iPhone would represent, in this context, a significant change without completely breaking with the product’s identity.
The old article serves as a reminder of how technological expectations evolve. Ideias that seemed imminent in 2018 may take years to take concrete shape or take different paths than those initially outlined.
