Know when to fold 'em

We got a ton of votes and comments on yesterday’s poll about the upcoming folding iPhone.

Most readers are still on the fence about Apple’s first foldable — see the results below.

Roughly equal numbers of readers are interested in the device, versus not interested.

Based on the comments, most of the objections appear related to the folding iPhone’s projected sky-high price tag and the device’s dubious utility.

But like Steve Jobs famously said: “Customers don’t know what they want until you show it to them!” 😂

Today, there’s a bunch of news about the upcoming device:

Nikkei Asia says the fold’s complex engineering could create launch delays, but the report is getting serious pushback.
The folding iPhone might get a name that doesn’t include the word “fold,” which is Samsung’s branding. The suggested name sounds pretty good to me.
New dummies based on leaked CAD files offer the best look yet at the folding iPhone — and at the iPhone 18 Pro, too. Amusingly, you’d need a microscope to tell the 18 Pro dummies from a 17 Pro.

Most importantly, the new dummies show the fold may not be as chunky as many fear — it’s actually going to be fairly svelte.

Also in today’s newsletter:

Beyond running personal AIs, there’s another very good explanation for the long wait times for maxed-out Macs.
From the outside, Apple looks like an uncannily well-oiled machine. So I take great delight in reading that the company can be a hot mess just like every other.
🔥 DEAL OF THE DAY: The hefty 300W Anker portable power bank that everyone loves (it can charge not one but two MacBooks simultaneously!) is a decent 25% off.
I’m not convinced by fiddly folding iPad cases, but Ed “Mr. iPad” Hardy loves this new one from Moft, which can elevate your iPhone, too.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

First look: iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold 'dummy' units appear in new leak

Get a first glimpse at iPhone 18 dummy units that show the purported design of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max and the first folding iPhone.

Apple’s folding iPhone may ditch expected branding

Turns out the iPhone Fold might not actually be called the iPhone Fold. And there are plenty of good reasons why.

Global RAM shortage fuels ridiculous Mac wait times

Whether for high-end configurations or base models, potential buyers face long wait times for Macs. Here's what to expect (and why).

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iPhone Fold might face delays due to engineering challenges

Apple’s first foldable iPhone reportedly runs into daunting problems that could delay its launch timeline by months.

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New sale knocks $100 off Apple Watch Ultra 3

A beefier design, long battery life and advanced features make Apple Watch Ultra 3 a great deal for all (not just endurance athletes).

How Vision Pro launch exposed problems in Apple stores

Vision Pro's launch revealed Apple Store problems beyond the headset's $3,500 price tag, according to a new book.

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Today in Apple history: Mac OS 7 gets its final update

On April 7, 1997, Apple's System 7 operating system got its final update when Mac OS 7.6.1 shipped. It fixed bugs and ended the clone Mac era.

Origami case/stand elevates your iPad for easy viewing [Review]

The Moft Dynamic Folio Case is also a very versatile stand for the tablet with a range of configurations. We did hands-on testing.

Cult of Mac’s buyback program

We pay top dollar for used Apple gear

Sell your old iPhone, iPad, MacBook and more through Cult of Mac. Free shipping, fast payment!

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Tweets of the day

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Wallpaper of the day

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One more thing ...

❝

If protection of intellectual property begins to disappear, creative companies will disappear or never get started. But there’s a simpler reason: It’s wrong to steal. It hurts other people. And it hurts your own character.

— Steve Jobs, 2011.

Today’s poll

What kind of iPad case do you use?

Results from yesterday’s poll: Now are you interested in a folding iPhone?

Best reader comments

Subscribe to The Weekender — Get the week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.