Core Viewpoint - The entry of Apple into the foldable smartphone market in 2026 is expected to redefine the rules, value distribution, and the overall shape of the category, creating significant anticipation among supply chain companies [1][4]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The domestic foldable smartphone market has recently become active, with major releases from brands like Honor, Vivo, and Samsung, leading to a surge in related A-share stocks [2]. - The anticipation of Apple's entry has contributed to a rally in the consumer electronics sector, with companies like Lens Technology and Luxshare Precision seeing significant stock price increases [2]. - Analysts predict that Apple will begin mass production of its foldable iPhone in late 2026, with initial shipments expected to be in the millions [3]. Group 2: Current Market Challenges - The foldable smartphone market is currently experiencing a bottleneck, with many brands adopting a conservative approach and reducing their product lines [6]. - User growth has plateaued due to inherent issues such as creases, quality, price, and lower specifications compared to traditional smartphones, leading to a trend of users returning to standard devices after initial trials [6][9]. - Global data indicates a slowdown in foldable smartphone shipments, with a mere 9% year-on-year growth expected in Q1 2025, contrasting sharply with previous explosive growth rates [7]. Group 3: High-End Market Trends - Despite the overall smartphone market stagnating, high-end smartphones priced above 5000 yuan are seeing stable growth, with projections indicating a significant increase in sales [7]. - The penetration rate of foldable smartphones is expected to rise from 2.5% in 2023 to 4.2% in 2024, indicating a gradual acceptance in the high-end segment [8]. Group 4: Anticipation of Apple's Entry - Industry insiders believe that Apple's entry could lead to a significant increase in foldable smartphone sales, with 2026 being a pivotal year for the market [4][10]. - Apple's strategy of waiting for technology and supply chains to mature before entering the market is seen as a prudent approach, allowing it to leverage existing supply chain capabilities for better cost and quality management [12][13]. Group 5: Technical Challenges and Innovations - The high technical barriers in the foldable smartphone supply chain, particularly in precision manufacturing, new materials, and display technology, pose significant challenges [13][14]. - The cost structure of foldable smartphones is heavily influenced by the high-value components such as flexible screens and complex hinge mechanisms, which are critical to their functionality [14][15]. - Chinese supply chain companies are actively working to overcome these challenges, with advancements in materials and manufacturing processes being reported [15]. Group 6: User Experience and Market Expectations - The industry is shifting focus from merely producing foldable devices to ensuring they provide a satisfactory user experience, as many current models are perceived as "beautiful but impractical" [19][20]. - Apple's potential to enhance user experience through software optimization and ecosystem integration is viewed as a key factor that could drive the success of foldable smartphones [20][21]. - The need for a collaborative development model between brands and suppliers is emphasized, as the complexity of foldable technology requires joint efforts in research and development [22][23]. Group 7: Future Market Predictions - The entry of Apple is anticipated to either revolutionize the foldable smartphone market or solidify existing high-end market dynamics, depending on how well it addresses current hardware challenges [24]. - There are differing opinions on the future evolution of foldable smartphones, with some experts predicting new form factors like triple-fold or rollable designs, while others believe the focus will remain on optimizing existing shapes [25].
折叠屏供应链“等待苹果”