Apple is preparing to make its highly anticipated debut in the foldable smartphone market, with reports suggesting a launch in the second half of 2026. While initial rumors pointed to a clamshell design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, recent insights from display industry expert Ross Young suggest a different direction for Apple’s first foldable iPhone.
Apple’s Foldable iPhone: A Potential Solution to Sales Slump
According to Young, Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to feature a larger, book-style form factor, resembling the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. This shift comes as consumer interest in larger foldable devices continues to rise, with the Galaxy Z Fold lineup gaining popularity for its larger screen real estate and enhanced multitasking capabilities.
The timing of Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market is crucial. While the foldable segment has experienced steady growth over recent years, the market saw a slight slowdown in 2023 and 2024. Apple’s involvement could rejuvenate the market, attracting new users and driving further innovation, especially as its strong brand presence could help overcome existing barriers to entry.
Apple’s Strategy: Bigger and Better Foldables
A foldable iPhone with a larger form factor would allow Apple to leverage its design expertise and software optimization, potentially delivering a superior user experience compared to current foldable devices. Apple’s focus on premium devices could also elevate the profitability of foldables, giving the company an edge in a market where high prices have often been a barrier to mass adoption.
Currently, the foldable market is primarily dominated by Android manufacturers like Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and Huawei, who have made significant strides in foldable smartphone functionality. However, the high price points of these devices have contributed to a slowdown in the market over the past couple of years.
Apple’s Impact on Foldable Market Growth
Analysts predict that Apple’s entry could stimulate foldable smartphone market growth by 30% and sustain an annual growth rate of 20%. If Apple successfully executes its foldable iPhone strategy, it could redefine the foldable category, pushing the industry into its next phase of innovation.
Apple’s Plans for 2025: The iPhone 17 Series
Before entering the foldable market, Apple is gearing up to release the iPhone 17 series in 2025. Among the highly anticipated models is the iPhone 17 Air, expected to be the thinnest iPhone ever. This device is set to establish new benchmarks for sleek, modern design, solidifying Apple’s dominance in the mainstream smartphone market.
A New Era for Apple and Foldable Devices
Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market could significantly alter the landscape, bringing much-needed growth to a segment facing challenges in terms of adoption. With its focus on design, software optimization, and premium pricing, the foldable iPhone could not only boost Apple’s sales but also drive the foldable category into a new era. Stay tuned as Apple continues to innovate, with the potential to reshape the future of smartphones.
