小折叠手机还有救吗？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges and market dynamics surrounding the foldable smartphone segment, particularly focusing on Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone and its potential impact on the market [5][6]. Group 1: Apple's Entry into Foldable Market - Apple has been cautious about entering the foldable smartphone market, missing the rapid growth phase but now appears ready to launch its first foldable iPhone, which is expected to resemble Huawei's Pura X in design [6][9]. - The foldable iPhone has been in development for over a decade, with patents dating back to 2011, primarily focusing on addressing the issue of screen creases [10][11]. - Apple's design approach includes innovative hinge mechanisms and materials aimed at minimizing creases, but the product has faced delays due to technical challenges [14][17]. Group 2: Market Dynamics of Small Foldable Phones - Small foldable phones have struggled to gain traction in the market, with sales in China projected to be less than half of larger foldable models in 2024 [20][26]. - Key issues for small foldable phones include a lack of functional differentiation from traditional smartphones and limited profit margins for manufacturers [20][26]. - The additional components required for small foldable phones, such as hinges and flexible screens, increase production costs, making it difficult for manufacturers to maintain profitability [28][30]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape and Consumer Preferences - The competitive landscape shows that many manufacturers, including OPPO and vivo, have either exited or reduced their focus on small foldable phones due to poor sales performance [30][31]. - Consumer preferences lean heavily towards functionality and performance, with aesthetic design alone failing to justify the higher price points of small foldable devices [32][35]. - Apple's brand strength may allow it to navigate pricing challenges better than competitors, but past experiences with products like the iPhone Air suggest that design alone may not drive sales [37][38].