Apple Rumored to Reenter the Foldable iPhone Market After Setbacks
Apple, known for its secretive development process, may be reentering the foldable iPhone market after facing setbacks in the past. According to a report from The Information, the company is once again focusing on developing a foldable iPhone, despite previous issues with durability and the crease that comes with foldable devices.
In a recent Vanity Fair interview with Tim Cook, the Apple CEO revealed some insights into the company’s development process. He mentioned that the first iteration of the headset, which was recently released as the Vision Pro, was nicknamed “the monster.” This sheds light on the challenges Apple faced in bringing the device to market.
The article also hinted at the existence of foldable iPhones and MacBooks with retractable keyboards or transparent televisions, stored in restricted rooms within Apple’s headquarters. These devices, however, were described in a way that suggests they may have been abandoned projects that never materialized.
Apple has been considering foldables since 2018, even before Samsung released the first viable foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold. Samsung’s launch of the Galaxy Fold was marred by issues, highlighting the importance of real-world testing. Since then, the foldable category has matured, with Samsung’s Fold and Flip devices gaining popularity. Other companies like Huawei, Oppo/OnePlus, Motorola (Lenovo), and Google have also entered the foldable market.
Durability issues that plagued early foldable devices have largely been addressed. While foldables may not be as durable as traditional smartphones, they are no longer prone to breaking due to factors like dirt particles. However, Apple’s exacting standards mean that they need to bring something fresh to the table before launching a new product line.
According to IDC, foldable shipments are projected to reach over 21 million by 2023 and more than double to 48.1 million by 2027. While this may seem like a significant figure, it is still a small portion compared to the 1.17 billion smartphones shipped globally in 2023. The future of the foldable market, including Apple’s entry, remains uncertain.
Apple is reportedly considering a clamshell form factor for its foldable iPhone, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Flip. The company is eyeing an eight-inch main display, which would be larger than current clamshell foldables on the market. However, this raises questions about the definition of a clamshell form factor.
Competition in the market has led to different companies adopting various form factors for their foldable devices. Google’s Pixel Fold, for example, strikes a balance between screen size and device size, resembling a book when folded. Apple is likely to release a single form factor for its foldable iPhone, positioned as a second flagship in the iPhone line.
Apple’s entry into the foldable market would undoubtedly have a significant impact. The company’s presence alone legitimizes the category and has a history of revolutionizing existing markets with products like the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods. While Samsung currently dominates the foldable market, Apple’s entry could change the landscape.
In conclusion, Apple’s rumored reentry into the foldable iPhone market after facing setbacks shows the company’s determination to bring a fresh and innovative product to consumers. While the exact details of the foldable iPhone are still unknown, its potential impact on the market cannot be underestimated. As consumers eagerly await Apple’s next move, the future of foldables remains an exciting and evolving space.
