Apple has remained notably absent from the foldable smartphone market, at the same time as opponents resembling Samsung and Huawei have spent years refining the shape issue. Whereas the Cupertino big’s first foldable merchandise could also be approaching, they’re nonetheless a couple of years out, and thus their potential impression on Apple’s barely down enterprise forecast stays unsure.
In keeping with Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s foldable iPhone remains to be within the planning levels regardless of reviews indicating the mission has been in growth for nearly a decade. Nonetheless, a brand new super-thin iPhone “Air” mannequin is reportedly set to debut within the second half of this 12 months.
The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be extremely skinny, with the “thinnest half” doubtlessly measuring simply 5.5mm. This excessive thinness might lead to a tapered design or rounded edges, however it would additionally require compromises. Notably, the machine might lack a bodily SIM card tray, relying completely on eSIM. Whereas this is not a problem in markets just like the U.S., it might hinder gross sales in China, the place bodily SIM playing cards are customary. Moreover, the skinny design might necessitate a smaller battery and fewer cameras.
This evaluation follows info from The Wall Road Journal, which suggests that Apple plans to revitalize gross sales with a brand new iPhone that might value lower than the Professional fashions (which in itself would not make them cheap, nor mainstream priced).
Hypothesis round Apple’s foldable units has circulated since not less than 2016. Earlier reviews from Kuo and different analysts point out that the mission has confronted repeated inside delays however might materialize as early as 2026 or 2027. Moreover, ultra-large foldable iPads and MacBooks may additionally be underneath growth.
Apple’s main problem reportedly lies in designing a sturdy folding hinge and display. Even producers with years of expertise in foldables, like Samsung, proceed to face reliability points, as TechSpot writers can attest.
December 2024 iPhone shipments in China reportedly declined by about 10% year-over-year, and international shipments for Q1 2025 are forecasted to drop by roughly 6%.
Apple can be anticipated to launch the iPhone SE 4 in March, which could embody Apple Intelligence options. Nonetheless, there’s little proof that the GenAI toolchain, which is unique to Apple’s latest {hardware}, is pushing customers to improve. Stories of inaccurate information summaries actually will not assist.
Moreover, a latest survey signifies that customers aren’t desirous about Apple Intelligence, and different information exhibits that GenAI is not rising gross sales for different producers both.