The first foldable iPhone: An unusual "difference" from Apple

(Dan Tri) - Apple is expected to launch a foldable iPhone next year, but in an unprecedented style.

The foldable iPhone is expected to receive great attention from users when it is launched (Illustration: Phone Arena).

Expected to launch late next year, Apple’s first foldable iPhone is not expected to be a technological pioneer. Instead, the device will inherit many elements from Apple’s biggest rival, Samsung.

Historically, Apple has not been the first to introduce new products, but has almost always been the leader in sales.

The company has reimagined many key products such as the iPod, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and AirPods, turning original ideas into globally popular products.

Even the Apple Vision Pro, while not a commercial success, shows Apple's unique approach to an emerging category.

What these products have in common is that Apple entered the market relatively early and shaped their mainstream versions, changing the way users interact with devices.

Unprecedented difference

If Apple launches a foldable iPhone late next year, it will join a product category that has been on the market for seven years and is dominated by Samsung Electronics. This time, Apple will not introduce a completely new interface or groundbreaking hardware.

The device is expected to have a similar design to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold line, even using many of the same core components, including a foldable OLED screen from Samsung Display, according to leaked information.

Meanwhile, Samsung continues to lead with the Galaxy Z Fold7, which is considered the first foldable phone with real potential to become a mainstream product, with a larger front screen and sophisticated design, achieving outstanding sales compared to the previous generation.

A large number of loyal iPhone users have been waiting for a foldable screen device (Photo: Phone Arena).

That means Apple’s first foldable phone won’t break any technological barriers or redefine any product categories. Samsung has done most of the heavy lifting.

Brand power will speak

But that may not matter. Apple’s ability to market premium hardware to consumers (with the exception of the Vision Pro) could help it become the dominant player in the foldable phone market within months of its launch.

A large number of loyal iPhone users have been waiting for a foldable device but don't want to switch to Android, and Apple knows that.

However, this is not necessarily bad news for Samsung, as its components division will benefit from the growth in iPhone sales and this excitement will likely attract more Android users to experience the foldable Galaxy.

Apple's innovations

To be fair, Apple isn’t going to completely copy existing foldable phones. The company is focusing on fixing some of the weaknesses of the product line, such as making the screen crease less noticeable and significantly improving the hinge mechanism.

Additionally, iOS 27 will prioritize software features and be specifically designed for the new form factor that fits foldable phones.

Another reason Apple is looking at foldable phones is the format's particular popularity in China — a market the company is looking to change.

Domestic brands such as Xiaomi, Honor, Huawei and Vivo have all launched foldable phones, and regional consumers are particularly fond of the book-like folding design (the style that Apple is pursuing).

The new foldable iPhone is also expected to cost at least $2,000, giving Apple relatively easy leverage to boost iPhone revenue — even if sales aren't sky-high.

It’s clear that Apple’s foldable phone won’t revolutionize the industry, at least not right away. But it will still be a big moment for the industry.

With its brand power, marketing prowess, and technical innovation, Apple could once again turn a niche product into a global hit. It just won’t be the breakthrough innovation we’re used to seeing.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/cong-nghe/iphone-gap-dau-tien-mot-khac-biet-la-thuong-tu-apple-20250721105411997.htm