Apple’s Starting to Test New Technology for the Foldable iPhone’s Second Screen

Now, a new rumor reveals that Apple might be testing a new color e-ink display. 

According to well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s thinking of using color paper displays made by the company E Ink. The rumor claims that Apple might be testing these displays for future products in general, but Kuo believes Apple might be testing this type of display for its foldable device. 

According to Kuo, Apple could e-ink displays as a secondary screen for a foldable iPhone. Since that type of screen works in low-power conditions, it could be added as a great way to check notifications without unfolding the iPhone.

How Would a Color E-Ink Display Work?

At this point, you’re probably familiar with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. Both devices feature a foldable screen with an extra cover screen on the back, so you can use them without always opening the device. 

It’s possible that Apple is thinking of using a color e-ink display in a similar way. If so, we expect Apple to use the e-ink screen on the back of the iPhone. Since this screen is basic in terms of resolution, we shouldn’t expect Apple to add a big display as Samsung did on the Galaxy Z Fold. 

It’ll most likely be a smaller screen like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. The Flip features a 1.9-inch OLED display that you can use to check the time, read notifications and switch songs when listening to music. 

Will a Color E-Ink Display Work for Apple?

Currently, the most popular foldable devices are Samsung, so it’s safe to say that we’d need to compare these rumors with what Samsung has brought to the table. 

Currently, both the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip phones from Samsung feature AMOLED and OLED displays, respectively. While the cover display on the Galaxy Z Flip isn’t something that spectacular, the display on the Galaxy Z Fold is 6.2 inches, which is more than enough to use the smartphone without even unfolding it. 

An e-ink display doesn’t have the same resolution or features an AMOLED display has. We’d need to see how well a color e-ink display will be received if Apple decided to use it for its first foldable iPhone, whenever that happens. While it’s true that this type of display would reduce the battery consumption on the so-called iPhone Fold, some people would probably want an AMOLED or OLED display they could use without unfolding the iPhone.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]