In a bold step toward innovation, Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market with the launch of its first foldable iPhone in 2025.

Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has confirmed the company’s plans, shedding light on the potential features, challenges, and market implications of this highly anticipated device.

The Rise of Foldable Technology

Foldable smartphones have been around since 2019, pioneered by tech giants like Samsung and Huawei.

These devices aim to combine the portability of a smartphone with the expansive screen real estate of a tablet, offering users a versatile experience. However, despite their futuristic appeal, foldable phones have struggled to gain mainstream traction due to lingering hardware issues and limited consumer demand.

For Apple, entering this niche market represents both an opportunity and a challenge. On one hand, the company has a reputation for refining existing technologies and turning them into must-have products.
On the other hand, the current market dynamics suggest that foldable phones have yet to prove their staying power.

What We Know About Apple’s Foldable iPhone

According to Kuo, Apple’s foldable iPhone will feature a display supplied by Samsung Display, a leader in flexible OLED panel manufacturing. Samsung plans to produce between six and eight million foldable panels for Apple in 2025, indicating a significant initial production run.

Despite these advancements, some critical components, such as the hinge mechanism, remain works in progress. The hinge is a vital part of any foldable device, as it determines the durability and smoothness of the folding action. Ensuring a seamless user experience will be key to Apple’s success in this segment.

Kuo also anticipates that the foldable iPhone will come with a premium price tag, aligning with Apple’s strategy of targeting high-end consumers. This pricing approach reflects the cutting-edge technology involved and positions the device as a luxury product rather than a mass-market offering.

Why Apple Needs Innovation in the iPhone Lineup

The iPhone has long been the backbone of Apple’s business, accounting for over half of its revenue. In the 2024 fiscal year alone, Apple generated $201 billion from iPhone sales. However, the company faces mounting pressure to innovate as global smartphone sales plateau and competition intensifies.

iPhone sales reached their peak in 2022, and Apple has since focused on encouraging customers to upgrade to higher-priced models, such as the Pro and Pro Max variants. Introducing a foldable iPhone could reignite interest in the brand and provide a fresh incentive for users to invest in Apple’s ecosystem.

Challenges Facing Foldable Smartphones

While foldable phones promise exciting possibilities, they are not without their drawbacks. One of the most persistent issues is the visible crease that forms on the display where the screen folds. This aesthetic flaw can detract from the overall user experience and raise concerns about long-term durability.

Additionally, foldable phones tend to be bulkier and heavier than traditional smartphones, making them less convenient for everyday use. Battery life is another concern, as larger displays consume more power, potentially limiting usability.

From a market perspective, foldable smartphones have yet to capture widespread consumer interest. Research firm TrendForce estimates that only 1.5% of all smartphones sold in 2023 were foldable. Similarly, Counterpoint Research reported sluggish growth in the foldable market, with a mere 3% increase in 2024 and a projected decline in 2025.

Can Apple Succeed Where Others Have Struggled?

Apple’s entry into the foldable market raises an important question: Can the company overcome the challenges that have hindered widespread adoption of foldable phones?
Historically, Apple has excelled at taking emerging technologies and perfecting them for mainstream audiences. For example, the original iPhone revolutionized smartphones by combining a phone, music player, and internet communicator into a single device.

If Apple can address the hardware limitations and deliver a polished foldable experience, it could redefine the category and create a new standard for innovation. However, success will depend on several factors:

Price Point : Will consumers be willing to pay a premium for a foldable iPhone?
Durability : Can Apple eliminate or minimize display creases and ensure long-lasting performance?
Software Optimization : Will iOS adapt seamlessly to the unique form factor of a foldable device?

Market Implications
A successful foldable iPhone could have far-reaching effects on the smartphone industry. It may inspire competitors to accelerate their own foldable initiatives or explore alternative innovations. Conversely, if Apple struggles to generate meaningful demand, it could signal that foldable phones are a niche product with limited appeal.

For now, Apple appears confident in its ability to carve out a space in this emerging market. By leveraging its expertise in design, engineering, and marketing, the company aims to transform foldable phones from a novelty into a desirable and practical device.

A New Chapter for Apple

The introduction of a foldable iPhone marks a significant milestone in Apple’s ongoing quest for innovation. While the market for foldable smartphones remains small and uncertain, Apple’s involvement could change the game entirely. With its track record of delivering high-quality products and creating consumer demand, Apple has the potential to elevate foldable technology to new heights.

As we await further details about the device, one thing is clear: Apple’s foldable iPhone will be closely watched by both tech enthusiasts and industry analysts alike. Whether it becomes a groundbreaking success or a cautious experiment remains to be seen—but there’s no denying that Apple’s move signals a new chapter in smartphone evolution.