Apple’s First Foldable iPhone: The Controversial Selfie Camera Technology
What’s happened? Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch its first foldable iPhone, and it may feature an innovative yet historically unreliable selfie camera technology: an under-display sensor. This revelation comes from JP Morgan’s internal forecasts shared via industry tipster Max Weinbach.
- The forthcoming foldable iPhone is said to include a 24MP under-display selfie camera located on the inner screen, closely mirroring the design used in the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
- In addition, the device is expected to have another 24MP selfie sensor on its cover display. Interestingly, it may only sport two rear-facing cameras: a 48MP primary sensor and a 48MP ultra-wide sensor.
- This forecast also suggests that Apple’s official launch of the standard iPhone 18 may be postponed until the first half of 2027, focusing instead on the Pro, Air, and foldable models during the September 2026 event.
Why is this important?
Historically, Samsung has experimented with under-display selfie cameras, employing a 4MP resolution in its book-style foldables. While this technology allowed for a smoother inner screen experience, the image quality was often subpar due to the layer of pixels obstructing the lens.
- After several iterations, Samsung chose to replace the under-display camera with a 10MP punch-hole selfie shooter in its latest model, the Galaxy Fold 7.
- If these predictions are accurate, Apple appears set to explore technology that its primary competitor has already moved away from.
- However, there is optimism; Apple’s upcoming 24MP under-display selfie camera could deliver six times the resolution of its predecessors, resulting in significantly clearer, more detailed images.
Why should I care?
Apple’s confidence in advancing under-display camera technology could signal a turning point in how such features are implemented across the industry. If Apple successfully navigates the challenges of image quality and display-related distortions that have historically plagued this technology, it may influence other manufacturers to adopt similar innovations swiftly.
- All models of the iPhone 18, except for the rumored iPhone 18e, are expected to be equipped with a 24MP selfie camera, marking a notable jump from the 18MP sensor in the iPhone 17 series.
- The iPhone 17 already introduced a Center Stage front camera featuring square sensors that accommodate various aspect ratios, which are likely to remain in both the iPhone 18 lineup and the anticipated foldable model.
- This may suggest that Apple’s initial foray into the foldable market could offer remarkable camera performance, whether utilizing the inner display, cover screen, or rear cameras.
Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends
What’s Next?
While Apple’s first foldable iPhone might lack a dedicated telephoto lens akin to the iPhone 17 Pro, it promises to deliver an enhanced front-camera experience, yielding sharper selfies and improved video-call quality.
- Android manufacturers will be closely observing how Apple manages to innovate without including Face ID in this foldable form factor, potentially opting for a side-mounted fingerprint sensor similar to those found on recent iPad models.
- As the launch window draws nearer, more details regarding the foldable iPhone are expected to emerge.
For more insights on this evolving topic, check out the full article here.
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