Apple is a global leader in smartphones, but that can’t be said for the new-age foldable models. Instead, Samsung has been leading the industry from the front, releasing models year after year. Most recently, rumors about Apple’s first foldable have picked up speed. The company is exploring the segment and could come up with a consumer-grade model in a few years.
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When Could Apple Release Its First Foldable?
According to renowned analyst Ross Young, Apple could foray into the foldable market in late 2026. By the second half of the year, the company could launch a flip-style foldable smartphone that could save the industry. Leveraging its position in the smartphone market, the company can revive the foldable market and make it mainstream.
The analyst is optimistic about Apple’s foldable phone. He states that the company’s first foldable could bring about 30% growth in the foldable market in its first year alone. Further, the growth might continue at around 20% in the following years, i.e., 2027 and 2028. While the company will debut its first foldable in 2026, Samsung will debut the eighth-generation Fold and Flip models in the year.
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Apple’s Clamshell Phone Could Save The Foldable Market
While the Korean tech giant has backed the foldable market for years, buyers haven’t shown much interest in the niche segment. For years, Samsung has been at it, releasing one foldable and flip-style foldable every year. However, slow advancements and high prices have prevented the masses from adopting the foldables. Will that change with Apple’s entry into the segment?
Rumors suggest that Apple’s first foldable might have a screen that’s between 7.9 and 8.3 inches. Further, instead of a book-style foldable, Apple will release a clamshell model (similar to Samsung’s Flip lineup). If you’re having trouble understanding that, imagine a full-size iPhone that bends in half (from a horizontal crease in the middle), and you’ll get an idea about it.
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Apple’s Foldable Won’t Be The Most Affordable Model On The Market
Apple is known to take its sweet time before adopting trendy features. Take always-on display for an example. The feature has been around for several years, but it wasn’t until the iPhone 14 series in 2022 that the company included it. Similarly, the company will only release a foldable when it thinks that all the components deliver high functionality and durability.
With all the sophisticated components, like a high-quality hinge, flexible display, and a two-part battery, the foldable iPhone will carry a premium price tag. There’s a good chance that the Apple clamshell could cost around $1,000 (likely to be more). However, this remains a speculation, and there’s no solid rumor to support it at the moment.
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