According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone maker is exploring electronic paper display (EPD) technology for future foldable devices and tablet applications.
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.
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) May 17, 2022
As per the news story of MacRumors, Kuo said on Twitter that color EPD displays from Chinese company E Ink may be utilized for the device's outermost panel, while a more sophisticated display technology will be used for the larger, folded-out display.
Is It E Ink or E-Ink? What's the Difference?
Apple Insider reported that e-ink is widely recognized as the technology behind the Amazon Kindle, and Apple has been exploring it for years. It is, however, the name of a company that uses unrelated technology.
Kuo responded with a second tweet, this time emphasizing that E Ink, not e-Ink, is the name of a company. It does not appear to have previously collaborated with Apple, but it does create color screens known as "ePaper," which have been used in BMW vehicles.
Why Is Apple Testing Out E Ink Display?
As previously mentioned, the tech giant might utilize the E Ink display to make foldable devices.
MacRumors mentioned that around 2025, Apple is planning to release a 9-inch foldable that falls midway between an iPhone and an iPad in terms of display quality. Apple's foldable roadmap, according to Kuo, would initially focus on medium-sized devices, followed by devices with larger displays, and lastly, compact devices like the iPhone.
However, The Verge noted that existing products, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Oppo Find N, feature both OLED panels. Apple's usage of an E Ink screen would almost surely result in a less responsive outside display with fewer colors, but it may also save a lot of power, as Kuo points out.
Read More: Apple is Reportedly Working on an iPad/MacBook Hybrid with a 20-inch Foldable Display
Because of its power-saving capabilities, this EPD might be utilized as a cover for the iPad, implying that the iPad will get an always-on case. This could theoretically display basic status information like the time and notifications, but Kuo anticipates unspecified "tablet-like applications," Apple Insider reported.
The report also said that a cover or second screen does not have to fold automatically; it is possible that two halves of a folded screen have different displays.
Kuo previously predicted that Apple would unveil an iPhone Fold in 2023.
Let Us Know More About Kuo
Apple Insider reported that in March, Kuo reactivated his long-dormant Twitter account. Since then, rather than publishing his previous investor notes, he has been tweeting reports and predictions about the tech giant.
His tweets aren't always clear, and many of them appear to be speculation based on his previous Apple experience. But despite the fact that he does not cite any sources, the Apple Insider report noted that it appears that he means it as a genuine account of what is currently happening at Apple, rather than speculating about what might happen in the future.
Related Article: Apple Could Be Entering the Foldable Phone Market in the Future
