San Francisco, March 2 : Cupertino-based tech giant Apple is planning to launch its foldable iPhone soon and now Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed that the company may launch a device with a 7.5-8-inch display in 2023. According to MacRumors, a 2023 launch would be dependent on Apple being able to solve "key technology and mass production issues" this year. One previous rumour has also predicted a foldable iPhone with a 7.3-7.6-inch display and support for Apple Pencil. Apple has been researching foldable devices since 2016, but rumours surrounding a foldable iPhone have noticeably increased in recent months. However, the Cupertino-tech giant has not officially announced that when it will be launching a foldable smartphone. The tech giant has supposedly developed two prototypes, the clamshell, and the book-like shape. The upcoming foldable iPhone with Galaxy Z Flip-like design will also be more affordable than the competing rivals in the same market. Apple is also in the process of engineering an iPhone with a folding display similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and iPhone maker has ordered a batch of foldable displays from Samsung, suggesting that it is working on a foldable iPhone. A report has claimed that the company might also discontinue the iPad Mini after the launch of its foldable iPhones. /IANS