Business · News 61
Apple is almost certain to launch its first foldable iPhone tomorrow, seven years after Samsung’s Galaxy Fold initially went on sale. While Apple might be a few years late to the foldable market, the upcoming event signals a significant shift in the industry. The arrival of some iPhone 18 models will likely be delayed, with the Pros launching first and the regular 18 expected early next year. However, leaks suggest Apple will pair the Pros with the first foldable iPhone, described as short, squat, and wide—similar in size to a passport.
This form factor has already been adopted by Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi, with Oppo and Honor expected to follow. The question is: how will Apple’s entry influence the market? Huawei’s Pura X Max and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8, both launched recently, suggest Android manufacturers may have been inspired by Apple’s potential design. However, Apple’s supply chain delays and early influence in previous markets (like the iPhone Air triggering Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge) suggest rivals may have already anticipated the move.
Apple’s foldable iPhone could push the category toward mainstream adoption, given its past success in reshaping markets (e.g., laptops, thin phones). The launch is also John Ternus’ first hardware release as CEO, a hardware engineer with experience in supply chain and services. His goal is to maintain Apple’s market influence, blending hardware expertise with broader business strategies. Counterpoint estimates foldables account for just 1.6% of smartphone sales in 2025 but expect a 20% shipment growth this year, with Apple projected to capture 28% of the market share quickly. Android manufacturers are responding by aligning with Apple’s new form factor.
Source: The Verge
