
Apple Plans Foldable iPhone Amid Intensifying Market Competition | Image Source: sherwood.news
CUPERTINO, Calif., Dec. 17, 2024 — Apple is reportedly preparing to make its entry into the foldable smartphone market, aiming to challenge industry leaders and capitalize on emerging trends in mobile technology. According to Sherwood News, the tech giant is developing a foldable iPhone with a larger screen than its flagship iPhone 16 Pro Max, alongside a foldable device featuring a 19-inch display that functions as a laptop. Additionally, Apple is planning a slimmer, non-foldable iPhone with simplified camera features targeted at consumers seeking budget-friendly options.
Apple’s Foldable Aspirations
The introduction of foldable technology represents a significant step for Apple, a company often known for its cautious approach to adopting nascent trends. The foldable iPhone is expected to feature an expansive display, appealing to users seeking enhanced multitasking and media consumption capabilities. Meanwhile, the 19-inch foldable device appears to blend the boundaries between laptops and tablets, potentially rivaling large desktop monitors in screen size. Sherwood News noted that these innovative devices could launch as early as 2026, showcasing Apple’s intent to disrupt both smartphone and laptop markets with a single foldable product lineup.
Facing Stiff Competition
Apple’s move into foldables will place it in direct competition with established players like Samsung, which has been a pioneer in this space. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold series have defined the foldable market for years, but Sherwood News highlighted that the company faced lackluster sales for its recent Galaxy Fold 6. Despite such challenges, the foldable smartphone market has shown strong growth, expanding by 49% in the first quarter of 2024. New entrants, including Motorola and Huawei, have been key drivers of this growth, with Huawei overtaking Samsung as the leading foldable phone seller in May.
Reviving Global Smartphone Sales
The global smartphone market is showing signs of recovery after two consecutive years of declining sales. As per Sherwood News, manufacturers have successfully reignited consumer interest by introducing cost-effective models and devices featuring cutting-edge AI capabilities. Apple reported an uptick in iPhone sales during its most recent earnings call, marking the first increase in two quarters. GenAI-powered updates, including advanced features like “genmojis,” contributed to this growth, though analysts observed that presales for the iPhone 16 models were lower than those of the iPhone 15 during its launch window.
The Foldable Market: A Double-Edged Sword
Foldable smartphones still represent a niche, accounting for less than 2% of the global smartphone market. However, their premium pricing and unique form factors make them a lucrative segment. Apple’s potential entry into this space could redefine market dynamics, as the company’s brand strength and ecosystem integration often attract a loyal customer base. According to Sherwood News, Apple’s emphasis on quality and usability may allow it to sidestep some of the issues faced by competitors, such as display durability and software optimization for foldable screens.
Affordability and Diversification
In addition to its foldable projects, Apple’s rumored development of a more affordable, non-foldable iPhone signals a strategy aimed at broadening its consumer base. This model is expected to feature a streamlined camera system and could appeal to price-sensitive buyers who have been deterred by the high cost of Apple’s Pro models. This diversification aligns with broader industry trends, where companies are introducing a range of products to cater to varied consumer preferences and budgets.
Apple’s focus on foldable and affordable devices indicates a dual approach to address slowing demand for traditional smartphones while targeting emerging growth areas. The anticipated rollout of these devices in 2026 underscores Apple’s commitment to maintaining its competitive edge in an increasingly crowded and innovative marketplace.