迟到七年的折叠屏 iPhone，是「最不苹果」的苹果产品

Core Insights - Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone by the end of next year, with a price starting at $2000, aligning with previous reports from analysts [1][2][11] - The foldable iPhone is described as a product that deviates from Apple's traditional innovation approach, entering a market where competitors like Samsung and various Chinese brands have already established themselves [2][4] - The device will feature a book-style design, expanding from a 5.5-inch screen to a 7.8-inch screen, with a thickness of approximately 9 to 9.5 mm when folded [2][4] - Apple plans to use components similar to those found in Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series, including a foldable OLED display [4][5] - The foldable iPhone may incorporate a fingerprint recognition system, potentially reintroducing Touch ID, due to the challenges of implementing Face ID in a foldable format [5][11] - The device is positioned as a "true AI phone," capable of multi-modal and cross-app functionalities, suggesting a new interaction paradigm in the AI era [9][11] - The production timeline indicates that final specifications will be determined in Q2 of this year, with project initiation in the second half of the year and mass production targeted for Q4 2026 [11] - The foldable smartphone market is currently facing challenges, with a reported shipment of 7 million units in China in 2023, representing only 2% of the total smartphone market [13][16] Industry Context - The foldable smartphone category has not yet produced a game-changing product that alters public perception, despite the initial promise of combining the functionalities of a phone, tablet, and PC [14][16] - There is a growing skepticism about the practical applications of foldable smartphones, with the market needing a successful product to validate the category's potential [16][17] - The high price point of the foldable iPhone raises expectations for its performance and capabilities, as it aims to justify its cost by delivering significant advancements in user experience [17]