Key Points:
- Apple is not expected to release a foldable iPhone before 2027, potentially transforming the market upon launch.
- Current foldable phones hold just 1.5% of the market, with projections of a rise to 4.8% by 2028.
- Apple’s rigorous evaluation of components and durability is delaying its entry, despite competitors’ advancements.
According to a report from the Taiwanese research firm TrendForce, Apple is unlikely to unveil a foldable iPhone before 2027. However, its eventual release could significantly disrupt the smartphone market. While foldable phones currently account for a modest 1.5% of the market, projections indicate a rise to 4.8% by 2028.
Apple is meticulously evaluating component specifications and performance, with stringent requirements for crease prevention and overall reliability. Issues such as screen creasing and potential damage from debris are among the concerns Apple aims to address before entering the foldable market.
Despite the current popularity of foldable devices from brands like Samsung, Huawei, Motorola, and Nubia, Apple’s later entry might prove advantageous. The company’s substantial market influence and loyal customer base suggest that a foldable iPhone could rapidly gain traction upon its release. Analysts anticipate that Apple’s foray into the foldable phone arena could significantly alter market dynamics.
Before introducing a foldable iPhone, Apple is expected to debut a large-screen foldable iPad or MacBook. This strategic move would mark Apple’s initial venture into the foldable category, setting the stage for a high-volume foldable iPhone launch in the future.
