In a surprising twist in the tech industry, Apple’s foldable devices are now expected to arrive earlier than previously predicted. This update comes from a recent investor note penned by Jeff Pu, an analyst at Haitong International Securities, who suggests Apple is fast-tracking its entry into the foldable device market.
According to Pu’s analysis, Apple is preparing to begin mass production of a 20.3-inch foldable device by the end of 2025, followed by a foldable iPhone that could feature a screen size of either 7.9 inches or 8.3 inches, targeting a late 2026 launch. These devices represent a fresh direction for Apple, positioning them within the ultra-high-end market segment.
This forecast from Pu diverges significantly from other reports that pegged Apple’s foray into the foldable arena at a later date. For instance, a report from the Korean publication Alpha Biz last month suggested that the foldable iPhone might not make its debut until 2027.
Contrasting predictions from industry experts
Further adding to the mix of predictions, well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated in March that Apple could release a 20-inch MacBook featuring a foldable screen by 2027. Moreover, a February report by The Information indicated that Apple is currently developing at least two active prototypes of a folding iPhone, though a launch is not expected in the near future.
ๆ่ฟๆๅคๆฌก่ขซ่ฉขๅ่ๆๆฏๅฆ่จๅๅจ 2025 ๅนดๆ 2026 ๅนด้็ขๅฏๆ็ iPhone ๆ iPadใๆ็ๆๆฐ่ชฟๆฅ้กฏ็คบ๏ผ่ๆ็ฎๅๅฏไธๆๆ็ขบ้็ผๆ็จ็ๅฏๆ็็ขๅ๏ผๅชๆ้ ๅ็ด20.3"้กฏ็คบๅจใไธฆ้ ่จๅจ2027ๅนด้็ข็MacBookใ
— ้ญๆ้ค (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) March 7, 2024
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Recently, I've received many inquiries about whether Apple plans to mass-produce theโฆ
Despite these varied timelines, there’s a growing consensus among market analysts that consumer demand and evolving market trends could prompt Apple to speed up its launch schedule. Research from Counterpoint’s Global Foldable Smartphone Tracker and Forecast anticipates that global shipments of foldable smartphones will reach 100 million units by 2027. Similarly, TrendForce projects that foldable phones will capture a 5% share of the global market by the same year.
The strategic push for market dominance
For Apple, advancing the release of these foldable devices could be a strategic move to maintain its market presence and competitive edge. As foldable technology becomes more mainstream, Apple’s early entry could prevent them from being outshined by other leading brands like Samsung and various Chinese manufacturers who are also aggressively pursuing this technology.
In conclusion, if Apple is to capitalise on this emerging market trend, introducing their innovative foldable devices ahead of schedule could be crucial for staying ahead in the high-stakes tech race.
