According to a new report, Apple probably won’t launch a foldable iPhone before 2027. This information comes from TrendForce, a well-known research company.
A foldable iPhone is not coming to market anytime soon, not before 2027
The company noted that foldable smartphones currently represent only 1.5% of the smartphone market. That’s probably another reason why Apple is not rushing to release a foldable device. We all know that Apple likes to wait for new tech to be out and about for a while before it jumps in.
In any case, market projections suggest that foldable phones will account for 4.8% of the market by 2028. It is also noted that Apple is “still evaluating component specifications and performance, with strict requirements for crease and reliability”.
Once it arrives, that device could “significantly shift market dynamics”
What TrendForce also noted is that a foldable iPhone could “significantly shift market dynamics”. Why? Well, because of the company’s loyal userbase, and general popularity in the smartphone market.
The arrival of a foldable iPhone could significantly change things up, and increase the market share of foldable smartphones. We’re in for quite a wait until that happens, however. Apple is also expected to release a foldable iPad or MacBook before it ends up releasing a foldable iPhone.
Samsung is in the lead in the foldable smartphone market, followed by Huawei
TrendForce also released a 2024 market share distribution of foldable phone brands. You can see the pie chart below. Samsung seems to be in the lead with 50.4%, based on the information from June 2024.
Huawei is second-placed with 30.8%, while everyone else is far behind. Motorola holds 6.2% of the foldable smartphone market, while HONOR is at 3.9%. Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo are at 2.8%, while everyone else grabbed 0.3% of the market.
Foldable smartphones improved a lot since their inception. There’s no doubt about that. They’re a lot lighter, thinner, have better foldable displays, and less pronounced creases on them. On top of that, they’re also far more reliable. Apple could release a foldable at this point, without a problem, but that won’t happen anytime soon.
