Apple is reportedly exploring the production of a foldable iPhone, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

The device may feature a Samsung-made foldable display and could launch as early as next year.

Kuo, an analyst at TF International Securities, noted that while the display supplier is confirmed, components like the hinge are not finalized.

Pricing for the device is expected to be in the premium range, but Kuo highlighted that Apple’s plans remain tentative and may change.

Apple has not commented on the reports regarding its foldable iPhone.

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🔗 Source: CNBC

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Apple’s late-mover advantage in the foldable market

Apple’s potential 2025 entry into the foldable market follows its established pattern of refining technologies pioneered by competitors.

The company is entering a market where early adopters have already faced significant issues. For example, Samsung’s Galaxy Fold experienced screen failures before its 2019 launch, and early foldables were criticized for durability problems and visible creases 1.

This delayed entry mirrors Apple’s approach with smartphones (entering 4 years after BlackBerry) and smartwatches (entering 18 months after Pebble), allowing the company to avoid early technology pitfalls.

Current foldable phones account for just 1.5% of smartphone sales, with the segment growing only 3% in 2024. This suggests Apple isn’t rushing into an unproven market that could compromise its quality standards.

The timing potentially allows Apple to incorporate Samsung Display’s expertise in minimizing screen creases, a consistent pain point in earlier foldable devices 2.

2️⃣ The youth-driven demand paradox for foldable phones

While foldable phones have struggled to achieve mainstream adoption, they’ve captured significant interest among younger demographics who will shape future purchasing trends.

YouGov survey data reveals that 83% of Americans aged 18-29 are interested in foldable phones, compared to an overall interest level of 59% across all U.S. smartphone owners 3.

This generational interest aligns with Apple’s strategy, as the company typically focuses on capturing high-value consumer segments rather than total market share.

However, consumer hesitation stems from practical concerns. For instance, 56% worry about durability and 53% about cost, which explains why interest hasn’t translated to sales 3.

For Apple, whose iPhone business generated $201 billion in fiscal 2024, even capturing a small percentage of the projected 45.7 million foldable phone market by 2028 represents significant revenue potential if they can address these practical concerns 4.

3️⃣ The frenemy dynamic: Samsung’s dual role as competitor and supplier

Samsung’s position as both Apple’s chief smartphone competitor and likely display supplier creates an intriguing business relationship with competing incentives.

Samsung Display is reportedly planning to produce eight million foldable panels for Apple next year, marking a significant shift from Apple’s typical multi-supplier strategy for critical components 2.

This arrangement benefits Samsung’s components business while potentially threatening its leadership in the foldable phone segment, where it has maintained 60% market share since launching its Galaxy Z series 2.

The dynamic resembles Samsung’s previous position supplying OLED displays for iPhones while competing with Apple in the premium smartphone market.

For consumers, this competition-collaboration dynamic could accelerate innovation across the industry, as Samsung may respond to Apple’s entry with further advancements to maintain its first-mover advantage in the foldable segment.

Recent Apple developments

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