Apple may Launch Premium Folding iPhones Next Year
Apple is reportedly preparing to release its first folding iPhone next year, according to respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. While the plan is not yet finalized, Kuo shared on Wednesday that Apple may source displays from Samsung Display, which is preparing to manufacture up to eight million foldable panels for the potential device. However, several design elements including the hinge remain undecided.
Kuo, an analyst at TF International Securities, focuses heavily on the Asian electronics supply chain. He noted on X that Apple’s folding iPhone plans are still fluid and could change before any official announcement. So far, Apple has not responded to requests for comment.
Although Apple has not confirmed anything publicly, the device is expected to be priced in the premium range. That would align with Apple’s typical strategy, especially for first-generation hardware. Notably, folding phones have remained niche products, even among competitors.
Competitive Landscape and Ongoing Challenges
Apple is entering a space where competitors like Samsung and Huawei have already been active since 2019. These devices offer a larger screen in a foldable design, making them easier to carry while maintaining functionality. However, they are not without flaws. Many users still experience screen creases, and the appeal of foldable phones tends to decline after initial excitement fades.
Despite continuous product launches, the folding phone market hasn’t seen substantial growth. According to TrendForce, only 1.5% of smartphones sold currently fall into the foldable category. Furthermore, Counterpoint Research reported only modest growth of about 3% in 2024 and predicts a decline for 2025. This indicates that the form factor, while intriguing, has yet to become mainstream.
Apple’s Broader Strategy for Growth
The iPhone remains Apple’s most valuable product, accounting for over half of its business. In fiscal 2024 alone, it brought in $201 billion in revenue. However, iPhone sales have declined from their 2022 peak. As a result, Apple continues to explore ways to boost growth, especially through higher-priced models that appeal to loyal customers.
By developing a folding phone, Apple appears to be targeting tech enthusiasts and premium users. Although the company is known for its cautious approach to new form factors, it also tends to refine concepts introduced earlier by competitors. If successful, a folding iPhone could reinvigorate consumer interest in a saturated smartphone market.
Still, the project’s success will depend on execution. As Kuo emphasized, the product’s components and final design are not yet complete. Until Apple makes an official announcement, all plans remain subject to change.
