Definition: A proposal that does not solve any problem or provide any value, or that is intended to solve a problem which does not really exist.
Can you explain your reasonings on why foldable phones are a "solution in search of a problem"?
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.
Samsung Display Readies Development Team for Apple Foldable Panels
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Can you explain your reasonings on why foldable phones are a "solution in search of a problem"?
They have no reasoning, push them and they will resort to criticizing the crease or device thickness, but won't be able to come up with a reason why this isn't a solution for *some* consumers. No one is trying to say foldables will replace the entire smartphone market, but many just put blinders on and because there is no use for themselves and try to extrapolate that to the rest of the world.
Besides the incredibly obvious point that even my 6 year old can see, that a folding phone fits better into my pocket than an iPad Mini does, it's really difficult to reason with some people that can't grasp something as incredibly basic as this. Note: this is different than someone saying they don't like the crease, or that they are worried about durability, which are legitimate concerns. Not MY concerns, but still legitimate concerns that consumers are entitled to.
I completely agree. Back when I got my first foldable, the Z Fold 3, I found it more comfortable in my hand and in my pockets than my iPhone 12 Pro Max was. I had the Pixel Fold as well but I was running into issues where calls would go straight to voicemail regardless of being on the Android 14 beta or stable release. I loved the form factor and Google's version of Android, but I had to get rid of it because of the straight to VM issue. It is widely known though that the modem in the Pixel Fold is pretty much trash. I have the Z Fold 5 now and I love it.
I'm old enough to remember everyone here, and everywhere else bashing Samsung saying foldable tech would never catch on...
This and the price is out of reach for many people, which results in a lot of the hate as well. I guess the "you're poor if you don't own an iPhone" days are well behind us.
Except it's not a problem that the vast majority of people are having.
But I'll tell you what is a problem. Thicker phones, creases in screens, more moving parts, etc.
I don't doubt that Apple will launch some sort of a foldable device in the future, but I don't think it's going to be a phone that can turn into a tablet. Much more likely to be an iPad or laptop.
So don't? This isn't a problem that the vast majority of consumers are having.
Back then it was MR users saying that phablets and large screen phones would never catch on.
Sure.
Most people aren't struggling with the size of their phone and carrying multiple devices. Nobody wants a thicker brick to put in their pocket. Crease is gross, and Apple would never launch anything that ugly. More moving parts = more problems.
Prior to foldable phones existing, we weren't living through the hell of having such small screens in our pocket that we just can't get anything done on. On top of that, creating a foldable phone with the intent to become a larger sized iPad, would literally cannabalize iPad sales. It's not going to happen.
Yep, I find it priceless when some A$$hat calls me poor because of my $2k phone. In reality we all know these phones are HEAVILY subsidized, if you pay more than $1k for a Galaxy Fold then you missed the incredible promotions, trade ins, and discounts typically available for these. I think I paid a bit more than $500 for my ZF5 upgrade.
It's amazing how much my foldable has replaced my tablet and laptop. Sure I still use my Surface Pro when I need to do desktop type work, but on the go I don't even carry it around with me unless it's a trip, and even then it stays in the hotel. Things like word processing, spreadsheets, remote management of my desktop at home and work, web browsing, etc etc., are so much more usable on that huge screen.
A foldable is probably my only hope for after the 13 Mini
Apple seems to only want to sell huge "patio pavers in your pocket" ... I mean "phones".... any longer
Apple seems to only want to sell huge "patio pavers in your pocket" ... I mean "phones".... any longer
Haha, what did I say, that they would resort to the crease or thickness arguments. You are still not telling ANYONE why this isn't a solution in search of a problem, you are just rehashing your own personal use case scenario and why it's not useful to you (which BTW is totally legitimate, but doesn't provide ANY basis for your statement). Anytime a foldable thread starts up there you are "Hur Dur a solution in search of a problem," but don't really understand how inane that sounds.
Obviously foldables are not a solution in search of a problem, which was your whole point. Millions of people buy foldables, with millions more waiting in the wings for Apple to release their version.
I could see them launching with iPhone Fold Pro, starting at $1,499/128 GB (yes, they will still have 128 as a base, for the sole purpose of having a lower "starting at" price point). A maxed-out option will eclipse the $2,000 mark. Thsi device will be for their early adopters - let them gobble up the new device, sing its praises, get the v2 crowd whipped up int a frenzy. Then the following cycle, spec-bump the Pro version and debut a less robust iPhone Fold starting at $1,199/128. Maaaybe $999/128. Or...
Maybe iPhone Ultra is their foldable tiere?
Regardless, it would not surprise me to see the "iWatch" crowd (which is alive and very well) call it "iFold." 😂😂
And because I like word mashups... It would make me grin if they were to go with Apple iPhold. 🤪
I'm too lazy, but in another post I put up volumetric drawings and measurements denoting how today's foldables are nearly as thin (when closed mind you), just as light, and the dimensions aren't much different than something like an iPhone Pro Max. So even the thickness, weight, size argument has been nullified. The creases on these devices keep getting smaller and smaller, but still a legitimate concern, no argument there.
I love all the fawning over Apple and their potential foldable. But when Samsung does it?
"eh, it sucks, no one needs or wants one, it's a gimmick."
"eh, it sucks, no one needs or wants one, it's a gimmick."
Well, the first foldable phone, the Royole Flex Pai, came out in 2018, at which time Apple had several years of larger sized phones.
I don't pretend to know what the future holds, but right now, despite your enthusiasm, foldable phones only represent about 2% of the smartphone market (per article on Android Central). So either there is a huge market to exploit, or there are a tiny minority who like foldable devices.
I told you what the problem was that foldables solve. It doesn't matter if there are 20 million people buying them to solve the problem I mentioned or 500 million people, foldables have solved this problem for me and millions of other happy customers. You not understanding this doesn't change anything.
Last edited:
No was thinking of an iPad that is bigger than the Pro but folds down when not in use so its easier to transport. Maybe could have a second screen when folded for notifications.
It does matter actually, because if its only 20 million people worldwide, Apple isn't going to fragment the iPhone line any further to satisfy people that already aren't dropping Apple because they can't wait.
Foldables are a solution in search of a problem. Always have been, and probably always will be.