Despite being late to the party, the Foldable iPhone might make an official appearance in about three years. The folks at TrendForce estimate this launch time frame for the coming iPhone device that’ll have a hinge to help it fold in equal halves. Just like any tech-savvy netizen will expect from Apple, the tech giant’s delay in launching a foldable device might be in its favour.
Over the past few years, the foldable market has seen some growth and technological advancements. With each new foldable device, there’s also something better than the outgoing model. Every year, the brands that reign in this industry make big moves to correct previous flaws in their devices, as well as introduce new hinges.
Currently, brands like Huawei and Samsung can boost off a near crease-free flat folding hinge thanks to their new hinge mechanism. Following this trend are other brands like OPPO, VIVO, Xiaomi, and Honor (Honor is preparing to launch its clamshell folding device). At this pace, we expect the next generation of foldable devices to be much better than the existing models.
This is the future that Apple might be aiming to be a part of as it delays its foldable iPhone project. By 2027, there will be better materials, components, and mechanisms to perfect foldable devices. Instead of joining the market through the era of growth, Apple might be waiting to perfect the technology before stepping into the foldable smartphone industry.
According to the folks at TrendForce, the coming foldable iPhone might “significantly shift market dynamics.” Considering Apple’s user base, they will undoubtedly face intense competition from other top brands in the industry that have also enhanced or even perfected their foldable tech. Additionally, it is good to note the influx of other brands into the foldable industry, this might also pose a challenge to Apple by 2027.