$AAPL: iPhone Fold Pushes Apple Into Display Tech Rethink — While $490M Settlement Still Hangs

Court: N.D. California

Case: 4:19-cv-02033

Apple AAPL is reportedly making significant changes to the iPhone Fold’s display technology, moving from on-cell to in-cell sensors to reduce creasing issues. The device, expected in 2026, will also debut Apple’s C2 modem, Touch ID, and lack a SIM card slot. Despite these innovations, Apple’s $490M settlement with investors continues to weigh on the company’s legal backdrop.

• iPhone Fold launch: Rumored for 2026 with black and white options.
• Display shift: Apple switched to in-cell tech to minimize crease visibility.
• C2 modem: Next-gen Apple modem aims to rival Qualcomm performance.
• Touch ID returns: Foldable will reportedly use Touch ID instead of Face ID.
• No SIM slot: Device will rely solely on eSIM technology.

Timeline Overview

• Nov 1, 2018: Tim Cook said China wasn’t among pressured markets.
• Jan 2, 2019: Apple cut its forecast by $9B, citing trade war impacts.
• Jan 3, 2019: AAPL plunged 10% on the downgrade.
• Apr 16, 2019: Investors sued Apple for misleading disclosures.
• Aug 2025: Settlement reached for $490M.

Allegations Include

• Misleading statements on iPhone demand in China.
• Downplaying U.S.-China trade war risks.
• Concealing production cuts and demand weakness.
• Providing overly optimistic guidance.

Investor Update

The $490M settlement resolves years of litigation tied to iPhone demand disclosures, but fresh scrutiny—like foldable design risks and legal battles—keeps Apple’s outlook under a legal and competitive shadow.

You can check more information about it HERE.