传苹果爆改iPhone发布节奏，首款折叠屏终于要来了

Core Insights - Apple is expected to launch an ultra-thin iPhone with a thickness of approximately 5.5mm in September 2023, marking it as the thinnest iPhone ever [2][3] - The company plans to introduce a foldable iPhone in 2026, indicating a significant shift in its product strategy [2][10] Product Features - The ultra-thin iPhone will have only one speaker and one camera, compromising on functionality compared to previous models [6] - Battery life is expected to be shorter, with only 60% to 70% of users able to use the device for a full day without charging, compared to 80% to 90% for other models [6] - Apple is developing a battery case specifically for the ultra-thin model to address battery life concerns [6] Market Strategy - The introduction of the ultra-thin iPhone aims to rejuvenate iPhone sales and accelerate the upgrade cycle, as iPhone sales account for over half of Apple's total revenue [7] - Apple plans to stagger the release of different iPhone models, with high-end models launching in the fall and more affordable versions in the spring of the following year [12] - This strategy is expected to optimize production capacity and avoid overwhelming manufacturing resources [12] Design Innovations - The iPhone 18 series will feature a hole-punch design for the front camera, moving towards an under-display camera for a true full-screen experience [8] - The ultra-thin iPhone and the upcoming foldable iPhone represent significant design changes for Apple, with the latter expected to have a screen size of slightly less than 8 inches when unfolded [10] Challenges - The ultra-thin iPhone's lack of space for a physical SIM card may hinder its sales in markets like China, where e-SIM regulations are not yet approved [7] - The new product's market performance is uncertain, as it is a completely new design without historical demand data to guide production [7][12] - Balancing the pursuit of thinness with durability will be a major challenge for the ultra-thin iPhone, especially given the complex usage scenarios of smartphones [14]