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.
最近我多次被詢問蘋果是否計劃在 2025 年或 2026 年量產可折疊 iPhone 或 iPad。我的最新調查顯示，蘋果目前唯一有明確開發時程的可折疊產品，只有配備約20.3"顯示器、並預計在2027年量產的MacBook。
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) March 7, 2024
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Recently, I've received many inquiries about whether Apple plans to mass-produce the…
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.
