Apple Reportedly Testing E Ink Outer Display for Upcoming Foldable

An anonymous reader shares a report: Ming-Chi Kuo is one of a handful of Apple analysts whose reports always warrant a second look, regardless of how strange they might seem at first blush. We've heard plenty of reports that the company is testing its own version of a foldable device, in its customary style of being fashionably late to the party, while also being the best dressed there. It stands to reason that the company is experimenting with all sorts of takes on the form factor. While companies like Samsung and Huawei have made great strides since the first generation of foldable devices, one can certainly make the argument that no one has perfectly cracked the code just yet. The screen technology has improved a good bit in recent years -- and so, too, has E Ink technology. "Apple is testing E Ink's Electronic Paper Display (EPD) for future foldable device's cover screen and tablet-like applications," Kuo reported on Twitter earlier today. "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."

Hmm, that's a good idea

[drinkypoo]

Not a foldable, but e-ink on the other side of the phone

That is, if you could have a phone that wasn't so fragile that it needs a case to be protected from the slightest impact...

I already have one

[Comboman]

My Nokia from 20 years ago was foldable AND it also had a B&W secondary display on the other side so you could check notifications/time without opening up the phone. Nice to see Apple has finally caught up.

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[cayenne8]

I know it's often hard to get your mind around "new tech" or new ways of doing things, but I swear I try.

But for the life of me, I cannot wrap my head around how or why I'd use a foldable iPhone...?

I currently have the12 Pro Max.

To me, this is perfect for my needs. Not too large, but large enough that it doesn't get lost, I can see it with my aging eyes (although sometimes aided by readers), and it fits easily in my pocket or on my car console when I have it hook to the stereo to stream music when drivin

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[Synonymous Cowered]

I don't have a folding phone, but (cost and reliability/maturity issues aside) I **think** I would love to have the option of double the screen size. As I age, I try to spend a lot less time sitting at my desktop, so I find myself spending a lot more time browsing on my phone on the couch or in bed. I could have a separate tablet, but I tried that and it just doesn't click with me because it's not always on me. Plus when I'm in the middle of something and need to leave, I don't want to take the tablet with

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[Ol Olsoc]

What do those of you with folding phones find useful about them or like about them, etc?

I don't have one, but looking at the Samsungs left me cold. I couldn't get past that fold line, and I ended up fixating on it, just like on the Lines on pre-big screen displays when the stores ganged up a bunch of smaller screens.

Nah - I have an iPhone 13 Pro Max, and if I need something bigger than that, I have a computer.

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[Catvid-22]

What do those of you with folding phones find useful about them or like about them, etc?

What would be the Matrix without a flip phone?

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[_merlin]

They used slider phones in the original Matrix film (Nokia 8110 modified to have a spring-loaded active slide).

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[Catvid-22]

Hm. I probably wasn't paying attention to those little details.

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[account_deleted]

Comment removed based on user account deletion

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[narcc]

You want the Unihertz Titan [unihertz.com] or the Titan Pocket [unihertz.com]

They've got everything you want. They're thick (like twice as thick as the average phone), incredible battery life, an excellent keyboard, and they're practically indestructible.

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[account_deleted]

Comment removed based on user account deletion

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[Ol Olsoc]

My Nokia from 20 years ago was foldable AND it also had a B&W secondary display on the other side so you could check notifications/time without opening up the phone. Nice to see Apple has finally caught up.

A foldable LCD screen that covered the entire phone? Which model was that?

Not that I want one, but I suppose people who are addicted to smartphones might want foldables as they age into presbyopia.

But looking at the foldable Samsungs, there's a real issue with that fold in the middle anyhow. Great for people with bad eyesight and bad taste. For myself, I prefer my computer and it's 27 inch main screen and 42 inch side monitor. The phone is merely a toy, but a lad has to have his scruples, yaknow!

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[Comboman]

A foldable LCD screen that covered the entire phone?

Better. LCD screen on top, physical tactile keys below.

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[drinkypoo]

Sure, I had a bunch of RAZRs back in the day and they had a secondary display too, for the time and notification icons. And Triplets phones before that, basically the same thing, but the RAZR had a cute little color display that could worthlessly display animations while the triplets phones only had a B&W display that was good for a clock and to let you know if you have VM or text.

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[juancn]

I think you're onto something here. Transparent case and skinnable back plate?

That'll be very useful in direct sunlight.

[mmell]

Not that many Apple product users ever risk going out into the big blue room, but when they do it'll be nice to be able to see something despite the Daystar shining on the display. Frankly, I'd love to see ePaper displays on Chromebooks - the OS is not built for gaming, and I could tolerate a certain amount of display lag in return for readability.

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[timeOday]

I agree, I wish I could get a phone with a transflective display for daylight viewing. I use the phone outside (for maps) a lot more than I use it for watching movies so lifelike colors aren't a priority. Not saying that's true of everybody or most people, just wish there were options.

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[SuperKendall]

I've not found using a phone or laptop outside to be an issue for years now - the screens are really bright, and the glare reduction coatings are pretty good.

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[UnknowingFool]

While he is a known Apple shill, he's not wrong in that Apple products are perfectly visible outside.

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[cayenne8]

Not that many Apple product users ever risk going out into the big blue room, but when they do it'll be nice to be able to see something despite the Daystar shining on the display. Frankly, I'd love to see ePaper displays on Chromebooks - the OS is not built for gaming, and I could tolerate a certain amount of display lag in return for readability.

I have Apple products and go out plenty.

Thing is..when I am outdoors, I generally have MUCH better things to do with my time than stare at a fucking phone or ta

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[Ol Olsoc]

Not that many Apple product users ever risk going out into the big blue room, but when they do it'll be nice to be able to see something despite the Daystar shining on the display. Frankly, I'd love to see ePaper displays on Chromebooks - the OS is not built for gaming, and I could tolerate a certain amount of display lag in return for readability.

I have Apple products and go out plenty.

Thing is..when I am outdoors, I generally have MUCH better things to do with my time than stare at a fucking phone or tablet.

I'm grilling, or making beer, or swimming, or boating, (usually with friends that I tend to pay attention to).

Dunno where he get's his info, but the same here. I'm outside more than inside almost all year round, confirmed Apple user, and only use other systems when I have to. Ain't buying a folding screen though.

Out of curiousity, what kind of beer do you brew? I haven't for a couple years now, but usually did IPA, chocolate Stout, or amber ale. Usually full mash, but I've been known to brew from malt syrup on occasion. I need to break out the equipment some day here.

Le mot juste

[nospam007]

"While companies like Samsung and Huawei have made great strides since the first generation of foldable devices, one can certainly make the argument that no one has perfectly cracked the code just yet."

But they cracked lots and lots of screens.