Foldable iPhone Release Timeline:
Apple, known for its traditional iPhone design, is reportedly preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market. Foldable phones are devices with flexible screens that can be bent or folded, offering larger screens in a compact form. Apple is projected to release its foldable iPhone by 2026, entering a growing market dominated by competitors like Samsung and Huawei, who have already released their own foldable devices.
Pricing:
The price point of $2,000 to $2,500 suggests that Apple’s foldable iPhone will be positioned as a premium device, much like its other flagship models (like the iPhone 15 Pro Max). Foldable devices generally carry a higher price due to their complex technology, flexible displays, and unique design features.
Decline in iPhone Sales:
The news highlights a decline in iPhone sales between 2023 and 2024, with Apple’s total iPhone shipments dropping from 231 million units to 224 million units. This decline is particularly notable in China, a massive market for Apple, where the company’s position fell to third place in 2024. In China, Apple faces stiff competition from local brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Huawei, which offer smartphones at lower prices and sometimes with more cutting-edge technology.
Strategic Move to Rejuvenate iPhone Sales:
Apple’s decision to release a foldable iPhone is likely part of its strategy to rejuvenate iPhone sales. The foldable phone market is seen as the next big innovation in smartphones, and by entering this space, Apple aims to regain some of its lost market share, particularly in China and other competitive markets. The foldable design could appeal to consumers looking for more screen real estate while maintaining portability, a feature that current iPhones do not offer.
Competition with Samsung and Huawei:
Apple’s foldable iPhone will directly compete with Samsung and Huawei, which have already released foldable devices. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold and Huawei’s Mate X are examples of foldable smartphones that have garnered attention for their innovation. Samsung, in particular, has been a leader in foldable technology, releasing multiple iterations of its foldable phones. Apple’s entry into the foldable market means it will have to innovate further to differentiate itself from existing models.
Apple is working on a foldable iPhone, expected to launch by 2026, priced between $2,000 and $2,500. This move comes as Apple faces declining iPhone sales, particularly in China, where it has fallen behind local competitors. The foldable iPhone is seen as a way for Apple to regain ground and compete directly with Samsung and Huawei, who have already pioneered foldable smartphones.
