Apple is reportedly testing an Electronic Paper Display (EPD) from E-Link for a possible cover screen to be featured on a foldable iPhone in the future, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Kuo tweeted that the Cupertino-based giant is looking to test EPD as a secondary or cover display on a possible foldable iPhone due to its “excellent power-saving”, noting that EPD is a “must-have” on a future iPhone with foldable display technology:
“Apple is testing E Ink’s Electronic Paper Display (EPD) for future foldable device’s cover screen & tablet-like applications. The color EPD has the potential to become a mainstream solution for foldable devices’ must-have cover/second screen thanks to its excellent power-saving.”
A power-saving display may hint that Apple is testing a way to adopt an always-on display on a foldable iPhone similar to the Apple Watch Series 6 and 7 by adding an external display to the future device. Kuo notes that EPD has the potential to become the mainstream technology used in foldable devices.
Kuo states that he refers to E-Ink as a display technology company based in China, not the E-Ink technology found in phones, watches, and e-readers such as the Amazon Kindle.
Last month, Kuo reported that Apple was actively testing a 9-inch foldable device with OLED display technology, this product could be an iPhone/iPad hybrid of some sort.
Kuo expected Apple to debut a foldable iPhone two years from now in 2024. However, he then said that he revised his prediction, meaning that Apple will release its “first foldable product” in 2025 which could be an iPhone/iPad hybrid or simply a foldable iPad.
In February, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reported that the company is working on a MacBook/iPad hybrid as a 2-in-1 20-inch foldable product, with a likely launch date later this decade in 2026 or 2027.
Apple is testing E Ink's Electronic Paper Display (EPD) for future foldable device's cover screen & tablet-like applications. The color EPD has the potential to become a mainstream solution for foldable devices' must-have cover/second screen thanks to its excellent power-saving.
— éƒæ˜ŽéŒ¤ (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) May 17, 2022
Apple are SO far behind the curve with this stuff it’s unbelievable!!