Apple is close to launching its first phone Foldable iPhoneamid great interest in whether it will be able to solve one of the most prominent problems facing this type of phone, which is protecting the hinge and screen from dust and dirt.
The importance of this challenge increases after recent disassembly tests showed that the problem faced by the first generation of phones galaxy fold It is still present, albeit to different degrees, in the latest generations of foldable phones from Samsung.
The problem is back to the fore
When Samsung launched the first Galaxy Fold phone in 2019, the device faced problems related to the infiltration of dust and dirt into the hinge area and the screen, which in some cases caused major damage to the screen, and prompted the company at the time to cancel pre-orders and reconsider the design of the phone.
But it seems that the passage of years and the launch of successive generations did not put an end to the problem completely, as the dismantling of a phone revealed Galaxy Z Fold 8 The possibility of small particles of dust and sand reaching the joint mechanism, which is an area that is difficult to repair or replace when damaged.
Tests also showed clear grinding and friction sounds after repeatedly opening and closing the phone, before the device had difficulty returning to its normal position.
Challenges facing Apple
Reports indicate that Apple did not treat the foldable phone as just a new product in the phone race, but rather faced several engineering challenges before approaching its launch.
And he comes The crease in the middle of the screen One of these challenges is when opening the phone, which is a problem that has been facing foldable phone manufacturers since their appearance.
According to reports, Apple sought to develop a design that would make the effect of creasing less noticeable, and also enlisted the help of engineers who worked with Samsung in an attempt to find a solution to this problem.
The second challenge is: Joint durabilityIts ability to withstand thousands of opening and closing operations over the years, in addition to its resistance to dust and external factors. According to reports, Apple did not consider this aspect to have reached the required level until last June.
Dust testing will be the most important
Regarding the screen’s wrinkles, the indicators appear positive, especially with the improvement of this aspect in the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which raises expectations that Apple will provide a similar or better experience.
But the real test may be in Dust and water resistance level Which the phone will get when it is launched.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 comes with a rating IP48It provides a certain level of protection, but it does not mean complete resistance to fine particles. The first number “4” indicates that complete protection from foreign objects smaller than one millimeter is not provided, which means that dust and sand can still reach the joint.
In contrast, modern iPhones, such as iPhone 17 Proclassification IP68The number “6” indicates a high level of protection against dust.
Will Apple succeed in solving the problem?
It is expected that the official specifications of the phone will be available iPhone Ultra foldable With wide interest immediately after its launch next month, especially the dust and water resistance rating.
If the phone receives a rating superior to the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Apple may have succeeded in addressing one of the most prominent weaknesses of foldable phones.
If the rating is lower than expected, Apple may find itself facing the same question that still faces Samsung: Can foldable phones withstand years of daily use, or will dust remain a silent threat to the hinge and screen?
