Is a Foldable iPhone Coming Soon? Apple Steps Up Development, Ready to Compete with Huawei!

Is a Foldable iPhone Coming Soon? Apple Steps Up Development, Ready to Compete with Huawei!Fast Technology reported on September 13 that, according to industry insider Mobile Chip Expert, the development of a foldable iPhone is ahead of schedule. While the specific release date remains undisclosed, previous reports suggest that a foldable iPhone could debut next year

Is a Foldable iPhone Coming Soon? Apple Steps Up Development, Ready to Compete with Huawei!

Fast Technology reported on September 13 that, according to industry insider Mobile Chip Expert, the development of a foldable iPhone is ahead of schedule. While the specific release date remains undisclosed, previous reports suggest that a foldable iPhone could debut next year. Despite its absence in the foldable phone market, Apple has been diligently developing its own foldable technology. Several patents related to foldable displays have been surfacing.

These patents reveal Apple's plans to incorporate a unique approach. They intend to make cuts on the inside of the glass in the folding section, filling the gaps with polymer material to maintain a smooth screen surface and eliminate the common "crease" found in existing foldable displays. Another patent showcases Apple's research into a self-healing foldable screen technology. By applying a self-healing material to the screen, it can recover its original shape after being stretched, potentially extending the lifespan of the foldable screen.

Looking at the foldable phone landscape, Chinese brands have taken the lead in this market. In just under five years, Chinese companies like Huawei, along with their supply chains, have rapidly overcome technical hurdles related to foldable displays. For example, Huawei's self-developed water-drop hinge achieves a near-seamless folding form while ensuring the flatness of the inner screen. The use of high-strength materials like bulletproof steel and aerospace-grade aluminum in their hinges has increased durability. Kunlun glass has significantly mitigated the issue of screen breakage upon accidental drops.

Amidst the global smartphone market's competition for market share, China has become the world's largest market for foldable phones. IDC data indicates that in Q2 of 2024, China's foldable phone market shipped approximately 2.57 million units, a year-on-year increase of 104.6%. Huawei maintains the top spot with a 41.7% market share. Counterpoint predicts that global shipments of foldable phones will surge from 13.1 million units in 2022 to 100 million units in 2027, achieving a CAGR of 50.6%. By 2027, the market penetration rate is projected to reach 39% in the high-end segment.

It's clear that foldable technology holds immense potential for the future. This realization has pushed Apple to accelerate its development of foldable displays. We can expect to witness a head-to-head competition between Apple and Huawei in this market in the years to come.