Photos and video footage of a simple printed mock-up of an iPhone Fold gave us a decent sense of how the device might look if the most recent rumour about the aspect ratios is accurate. While the exterior display shape would be a radical departure, more 9to5Mac readers liked it than disliked it.
If you want to get an even better sense of how the device might feel, and have access to a 3D printer, you can create a physical mock-up using files provided online …
A radically different form factor?
While all book-style folding smartphones seen so far retain a conventional form factor when the device is folded, a report in The Information claimed that Apple will take a radically different approach.
Instead of the closed device having a display shape similar to existing iPhones, the report said that it would have a shorter and wider aspect ratio. As a result, the unfolded interior display would be wider than it is tall.
It should be stressed that the accuracy of this claim is as yet unknown. While it has been previously speculated, and The Information is a more credible source than many, it’s simply too early to know whether this particular report is accurate.
3D printed mockup
We looked yesterday at photos and video footage of a simple printed mockup of this shape, and MakerWorld user Subsy has now created files for a 3D printed version.
The asterisk we mention is a big one. Subsy claims the model is based on leaked CAD drawings, but there is absolutely no evidence that any genuine drawings have ever been discovered. It’s most likely that someone has created fake drawings, which have then been used in good faith to create the model.
Top comment by Ben
As someone who regularly speaks to audiences multiple times a week and needs glanceable notes, the iPhone Fold is shaping up to be a near-perfect device for my needs. If my phone can eliminate my need for my iPad, I'll be happy. This device allows me to move away from using an iPad altogether. Now, instead of lugging around a MacBook Pro, iPad, and iPhone, I'd have my iPhone and MacBook—a huge win. Not to mention it could replace my Kindle for reading as well.
I'm sure this isn't the best device for some people. And some people are content carrying around multiple devices everywhere they go. As for me, I want simplicity and fewer devices.
This form factor will be great for reading, great for watching content, and a solid, although a bit different, experience for phone usage. The only question about viability is pricing; it needs to be around the price of an iPhone Pro + iPad mini combined to stay competitive. I'd think that would be between $1,499 and $1,999 to be genuinely compelling to most people who want this kind of device. Of course, the rumors point to the higher price tag, and some of us will still buy it, but I think it loses its mass-market appeal the higher that tag goes.
However, it is consistent with the earlier report, and is certainly interesting to play with if you have a 3D printer and are intrigued by the iPhone Fold. Subsy has made it available both single-color and AMS versions, and says the PLA prints cleanly. They believe PETG will also work but haven’t tested it.
They note that the folding mechanism is a simple one to allow you to experience both the open and closed positions, but is not claiming to emulate the actual mechanism Apple will use. One person who downloaded and created the model notes that it can be folded back beyond 180 degrees, which would obviously not be possible with the real thing.
You can download the files here.
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