There are rumors that Apple may be planning to revolutionize the mobile market with the launch of a foldable iPhone. To date, no mobile device of the brand has been foldable, unlike the smartphones launched by some of its competitors, Samsung or Huawei. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s innovation is expected to be launched next year, although the price has not yet been determined. It would be a foldable mobile device with premium technology, and according to Kuo, also a premium price. What do you think about it? Do you think Apple will really launch this product considering the poor acceptance it has had in the market?
Apple
It is one of the world’s best known brands. Whether you own a product of theirs or not, the bitten apple symbol does not create confusion among technology consumers. Headquartered in California, it is a technology and communications company, considered the largest in the world in terms of revenue. Created by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne, it has positioned itself at the top of the technology markets.
With the passage of time and developments in technology, has been increasing its catalog from cell phones, tablets, computers, laptops, appliances, headphones, voice assistants, among many others. Since its inception bet on a clean and minimalist image, and that has become one of its hallmarks.
Foldable cell phones
In 2019, the technology sector wanted to bring back a vintage design of old phones, applied to today’s smartphones. Do you remember the cell phones that had a cover? Well, several companies seem to have felt nostalgic, and decided to develop modern models based on that design. Today’s foldable phones feature flexible screens that can be folded, offering a compact design while maintaining the size of today’s screens.
Two models were designed; foldable and Flip foldable. The difference? Aesthetics and consumer convenience. Few companies considered this option as a valid one to add to their catalogs. Two of those who bet heavily on this design were Samsung and Huawei, launching several different models on the market. Despite its modernity and the fact that it was a totally new and unique model, it did not have the desired acceptance.
Apple´s new launch
Until now, Apple has been one of the companies that has resisted developing this type of design. And given the data, why would it do so? Although the peak of iPhone sales occurred in 2022, and the brand is still looking for ways to attract new customers and retain the ones it already has. Apple closed its fiscal year in 2024 with $201 billion brought in from the sale of iPhones alone. However, despite these numbers, it is rumored that Apple might have an ace up its sleeve. Ming-Chi Kuo, one of the most reliable analysts belonging to TF International Securities, just the bombshell on his social networks.
The analyst specialized in discussing Apple products before they are launched, stated that Apple would be considering launching a foldable phone for next year. He explained that it could have a screen developed by Samsung Display, and that the rest of the master components would have been finalized yet. It is supported that Samsung plans to produce eight million foldable screens for Apple for next year. The price is not yet known, but Kuo stated that “I expect it to have a premium price”. Faced with these reports, Apple has not made any statement on the matter and declined CNBC’s request.
Apple´s future
Although the analyst is considered a reliable source, it is undeniable that this information is not only baseless, but it does not fit at all with the usual lines of design and performance of Apple. If this launch were to happen, it would certainly be a surprise for the cell phone technology market. In addition, TrendForce, a well-known research firm, published that of the total number of mobile devices sold, only 1.5% are foldable. In addition, it stressed that in the past year 2024, the sale of foldable devices only increased by 3%, providing that it will decrease this year.
