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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7. Photo: Bloomberg . |
The foldable iPhone is one of Apple's most anticipated devices. Despite numerous rumors, the device's release date remains unknown.
In a Bloomberg Power On report, analyst Mark Gurman revealed that a foldable iPhone could be launched next year. However, the device's launch could be very different from previous ones.
Apple's unusual launch
According to Gurman, Apple's challenges in developing a foldable iPhone are not currently too great. In fact, most of the weaknesses in foldable smartphones have been addressed by Samsung over the past seven years.
In the past, Apple has tended not to be the first company to enter the market, but it remains one of the most prominent names.
"That's technically correct, but I think Apple really pioneered in shaping the modern versions of some key products, such as music players, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and wireless headphones," Gurman emphasized.
Before the iPhone, smartphones existed, but they couldn't harmoniously combine large multi-touch screens, virtual keyboards, and a thin, minimalist design. Smartwatches had also been around for a long time, but they couldn't achieve the same appeal as the Apple Watch. Even the iPad was the device that realized the vision for the tablet market.
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The Galaxy Z Fold7 unfolded. Photo: Bloomberg . |
Even the Apple Vision Pro, a failure in many respects, took a different approach. While not the first mixed reality (XR) device, it offered a unique interface and interaction method centered around eye tracking and hand gestures, combined with a high-quality display.
"All the products have one thing in common: Apple entered the market relatively early, when it was still young, which shaped the mainstream version of each product."
"The iPod, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods not only entered, but shaped the market. That's why Apple's next major launch is so extraordinary," the Bloomberg writer added.
When Apple launches a foldable iPhone next year, the market will have existed for seven years, pioneered and dominated by Samsung. In other words, Apple won't be unveiling a truly new or groundbreaking hardware device.
According to Gurman, the product will have an appearance similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold, and may even use some similar components, such as Samsung Display's foldable OLED screen.
Not bad news for Samsung.
Conversely, Samsung's foldable smartphones are constantly improving. Many news outlets consider the Galaxy Z Fold7 a milestone that helped popularize foldable phones. Compared to its predecessor, the Z Fold7 stands out thanks to its larger external screen and slim, lightweight design.
According to Bloomberg , sales of the Galaxy Z Fold7 have now "significantly" surpassed those of its predecessor.
This means Apple's foldable smartphone may not be a technological breakthrough, nor does it have the potential to reshape the market. In other words, Samsung has largely completed the task.
"However, the key point is Apple's superior ability to market high-end hardware to consumers (except for the Vision Pro). This could help the company dominate the foldable smartphone market in just a few months," Gurman emphasized.
A group of loyal iPhone users are eagerly awaiting Apple's launch of a foldable smartphone, partly due to their hesitation to switch to Android. This is pent-up demand, and Apple seems to be capitalizing on it.
"One could say that Samsung spent seven years laying the groundwork for Apple's success... However, this isn't necessarily bad news for the South Korean company."
"The component business will benefit if foldable iPhone sales increase, and the excitement could also lead many Android users to want to experience foldable Galaxy smartphones," a Bloomberg writer noted.
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The slimness of the Galaxy Z Fold7. Photo: Bloomberg . |
In fact, Apple isn't completely "copying" the Galaxy Z Fold's design. According to rumors, the company is focusing on addressing some of the issues with foldable smartphones, such as making the crease as subtle as possible, while also designing its own software for the foldable interface based on iOS 27.
Another reason Apple is pursuing foldable smartphones is because this design is particularly popular in China, a challenging market for Apple. Domestic brands like Xiaomi, Honor, Huawei, and Vivo have all launched foldable smartphones and found them popular with users.
If launched, the foldable iPhone is expected to cost at least $2,000 . This is a suitable price point for Apple to increase iPhone revenue, even if sales aren't exceptionally high.
"Apple may not have revolutionized the category with the launch of the foldable iPhone, but it was still a big moment for the industry."
With its strong brand, marketing, and technical expertise, Apple could once again make a niche product explode globally. It's just not the kind of breakthrough we usually see,” Gurman emphasized.
Source: https://znews.vn/dieu-ky-la-voi-iphone-man-hinh-gap-post1570271.html
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