Yes, this is the new Apple. Charge as much as the market could possibly bear. Profits will be good in the short term, but there won’t be any “disruption” if no one can afford it.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Foldable iPhone Unlikely to Launch Before 2027
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Really, I feel like I've been hearing about Apple's foldable "coming soon" since 2018.
Foldable phones are clearly useful in a way AR isn't yet, although I fully understand why some might say the tech isn't there yet for either.
I'd love to have a phone that flips open into a book, or a work phone that displays my calendar and emails at the same time (or notes and Teams, for that matter).
I can see a clear use case for them, even now, and would probably buy one if it wasn't for the price.
I'd love to have a phone that flips open into a book, or a work phone that displays my calendar and emails at the same time (or notes and Teams, for that matter).
I can see a clear use case for them, even now, and would probably buy one if it wasn't for the price.
"Widely expected" by anyone aside from a couple of click-bait-generating analysts? I feel like there is no organic demand for these devices.
I think it's more likely that they're obsessed with fixing all the things they don't like about it, such as durability and that seemingly inevitable screen crease. Plus, of course, it has to be really really thin. But who knows? If they get it right, maybe it will be a good replacement for my iPhone mini (at a maxi price).
I bet apple doesnt want to compromise screen quality by going back to using plastic screen, which causes crease to form amongst many other issues.
This is a hilarious take to me. Like, hard to wrap my head around how anyone could say this not in jest.
Lol, I mean literally 98.5% of all smart phone uses agree (per numbers quoted in the article) that this lame ass tech is NOT ready for prime time.
I don’t mean to “derp” you too badly, but the idea that even though this tech is still really bad and nobody can produce anything in this space that anyone seems to want… Apple should put one out 3 years too early to placate a single person, thus making like $800 bucks back on a multibillion dollar ignorant business misstep, is the most bizarre self centered notion I can imagine.
You’re probably right, but companies like Apple and Samsung are all looking for that “next big thing” to drum up interest in a product category that has long matured. Sales in China are slumping and Apple needs to drum up interest by doing more than offering rose gold again or adding a 48mp ultra-wide camera. Making the iPhone 17 “Slim” look more like an Android phone probably won’t be enough either. What’s the next step (or misstep) is what companies like Apple are constantly asking themselves. That’s why Apple’s failed car project was born and ultimately died.
I've been driving a Pixel Fold for a year now as my only non Apple device and I like it. Foldables aren't for everyone, but I like new hardware and the iterative spec bumps every year from Apple and others simply aren't exciting.
I hope they call the device the iPhad. Both an iPhone and iPad but mostly a fad.
you sure are entitled to you opinion ...
there are an estimated 6+ Billion smartphones in the world. 1.5% of that today is 90 million.
expected to 4.8% in 2028 --> 288 Million
(the above assumes that there still will be 6 Billion smartphones in the world in 2028)
Apple sells an estimated 200 Million iPhones per year
If you don;t see that opportunity, I can't help you
edit: high price, high margin products - exactly where Apple plays best
Last edited:
I think a foldable iPad makes more sense than a phone.
Apple is unlikely to release a foldable iPhone before 2027, but it could significantly disrupt the market when it launches, according to Taiwanese research firm TrendForce.
The report highlights that foldable phones currently represent a mere 1.5% of the smartphone market, with projections suggesting an increase to 4.8% by 2028. Apple is apparently "still evaluating component specifications and performance, with strict requirements for crease and reliability." Screen creasing is an issue that plagues many current foldable devices, raising concerns about long-term durability and the risk of screen damage from debris.
Despite the emergence of a range of popular foldable devices from the likes of Samsung, Huawei, Motorola, and Nubia, Apple's delayed entry to the foldable space is not necessarily a disadvantage. The company's significant market influence and established customer base mean that a foldable iPhone could quickly gain popularity upon release. As a result, analysts believe that Apple's entry into the foldable phone space could "significantly shift market dynamics."
Apple is widely expected to release a large-screen foldable iPad or MacBook to kick-off its foray into the product category before launching a higher volume foldable iPhone.
Article Link: Foldable iPhone Unlikely to Launch Before 2027
I still think 2026 will be the year of the folding iPhone. There is barely any crease in some models at this point. And I expect dust protection by 2026. Those are the two main factors I imagine Apple is holding out for.
To put this in perspective, we will be getting the Galaxy Z Fold 8 (8!!) by 2026. Apple's model will be long overdue by then.
And if it does not come in 2026, I truly believe you will see it in 2027 by the very latest.
To put this in perspective, we will be getting the Galaxy Z Fold 8 (8!!) by 2026. Apple's model will be long overdue by then.
And if it does not come in 2026, I truly believe you will see it in 2027 by the very latest.
Just out of curiosity: How would it be possible to protect a Smartphone (and a foldable one, i.e. a device with big moving parts and able to change its size at the will of the user) from dust, without completely destroying everyday usability?
Ah yes, based on the past decade off the top of my head it's clear we're all still using Intel Macs, phones and iPads with a home button and huge bezels, the Apple watch never took off, neither did the pencil, and airpods are a complete flop
I don't own any of these. The last Mac that was usable for me was an Intel one. My phone is the 2022 SE. Absolutely none of these products have a wow factor.Ah yes, based on the past decade off the top of my head it's clear we're all still using Intel Macs, phones and iPads with a home button and huge bezels, the Apple watch never took off, neither did the pencil, and airpods are a complete flop
Last edited:
I was very skeptical… but I saw two currently available options at Best Buy (I forget what brand/models)… and they were pretty interesting to actually see/hold. One was the size of a current phone, and opened to be much bigger… the other closed to be the size of an old flip phone.
