Apple has remained notably absent from the foldable smartphone market, at the same time as rivals similar to Samsung and Huawei have spent years refining the shape issue. Whereas the Cupertino large’s first foldable merchandise could also be approaching, they’re nonetheless a couple of years out, and thus their potential impression on Apple’s barely down enterprise forecast stays unsure.
Based on Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s foldable iPhone remains to be within the planning levels regardless of stories indicating the undertaking has been in growth for nearly a decade. Nevertheless, a brand new super-thin iPhone “Air” mannequin is reportedly set to debut within the second half of this 12 months.
The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be extremely skinny, with the “thinnest half” probably measuring simply 5.5mm. This excessive thinness may end in a tapered design or rounded edges, however it’s going to additionally require compromises. Notably, the system might lack a bodily SIM card tray, relying completely on eSIM. Whereas this is not a problem in markets just like the U.S., it may hinder gross sales in China, the place bodily SIM playing cards are commonplace. Moreover, the skinny design might necessitate a smaller battery and fewer cameras.
This evaluation follows info from The Wall Road Journal, which suggests that Apple plans to revitalize gross sales with a brand new iPhone that may value lower than the Professional fashions (which in itself does not make them cheap, nor mainstream priced).
Hypothesis round Apple’s foldable gadgets has circulated since not less than 2016. Earlier stories from Kuo and different analysts point out that the undertaking has confronted repeated inside delays however may materialize as early as 2026 or 2027. Moreover, ultra-large foldable iPads and MacBooks may additionally be beneath growth.
Apple’s main problem reportedly lies in designing a sturdy folding hinge and display screen. Even producers with years of expertise in foldables, like Samsung, proceed to face reliability points, as TechSpot writers can attest.
December 2024 iPhone shipments in China reportedly declined by about 10% year-over-year, and international shipments for Q1 2025 are forecasted to drop by roughly 6%.
Apple can also be anticipated to launch the iPhone SE 4 in March, which could embrace Apple Intelligence options. Nevertheless, there may be little proof that the GenAI toolchain, which is unique to Apple’s latest {hardware}, is pushing customers to improve. Studies of inaccurate information summaries actually will not assist.
Moreover, a latest survey signifies that customers aren’t concerned about Apple Intelligence, and different knowledge reveals that GenAI is not growing gross sales for different producers both.
