来源：环球网 【环球网科技综合报道】2月4日消息，据hardwarezone援引彭博社报道称，苹果公司正在积极探索一款 采用"方形翻盖式"设计的可折叠iPhone。这一动向表明，尽管市场普遍预期苹果将在2026年晚些时候率 先推出书本式（横向对折）可折叠iPhone，但该公司并未排除同步开发翻盖式（竖向对折）机型的可能 性。 据介绍，这款翻盖式可折叠iPhone将主打便携性与口袋友好型设计，目标用户群体更注重设备的小巧轻 便，而非追求极致的大屏体验。通过引入不同形态的可折叠产品，苹果有望覆盖更广泛的市场细分，满 足多样化消费者需求。 事实上，关于苹果研发可折叠设备的传闻由来已久。早在2021年，外媒就曾披露，苹果已开发出两款可 折叠iPhone原型机，其中一款即为采用柔性OLED屏幕的翻盖式设计。2024年，相关消息再度浮现，称 苹果内部正积极推进翻盖式可折叠设备的测试与评估。 不过，彭博社记者马克·古尔曼（Mark Gurman）也强调，目前这款翻盖式可折叠iPhone仍处于早期探索 阶段，"远未保证会上市"。苹果对新产品上市持高度谨慎态度，尤其在涉及全新形态和用户体验的关键 技术节点上，通常会进行多轮验证 ...

Core Viewpoint - Apple is planning to release its first foldable iPhone and is already considering subsequent models, despite initial challenges with a larger foldable iPad project [1] Group 1: Product Development - Apple is exploring a smaller, square-shaped flip-style foldable phone, following similar products from Motorola and Samsung [1] - The first foldable iPhone is expected to be a book-style device, with an external screen size projected to be around 5.5 inches, with hopes to increase it closer to 6.5 inches [1] Group 2: Market Strategy - Apple aims for its first foldable iPhone to achieve significant success, thereby creating market demand for more diverse foldable products, similar to the acceptance of traditional iPhones [1] - There is potential for Apple to introduce a larger book-style foldable phone in the future, which could fit well within its existing product lineup [1]

Group 1 - Samsung Electronics has launched its first tri-fold smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, showcasing engineering breakthroughs in the foldable device sector, despite the category not being widely accepted in the mainstream market [1] - The device features a dual-hinge design that expands to a 10-inch tablet-sized screen, set to debut in South Korea on December 12, priced at 3.59 million KRW (approximately 2,450 USD), with plans to enter markets in mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, and the UAE [1] - The launch precedes Apple's anticipated foldable iPhone, expected to be unveiled in the fall of next year, which may feature a design similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 released in July [1] Group 2 - The TriFold employs a dual inward-folding design, allowing for three independent applications to run simultaneously on a screen equivalent to three 6.5-inch smartphones side by side, enhanced by Samsung DeX software for a desktop-like interface [2] - Samsung has reinforced the durability of the device with improved hinges, aluminum alloy frames, and display technology, offering a 50% discount on display screen replacements [2] - The device is equipped with a 5,600 mAh battery, the largest capacity for Samsung's foldable models, supporting 17 hours of continuous video playback in full-screen mode, although regular usage battery data has not been disclosed [2]

Core Insights - Apple is preparing for its 50th anniversary and is focusing on AI strategies and innovative products like the foldable iPhone to maintain its market dominance in the next decade [1] - Analysts believe that 2026 will be a critical year for Apple's strategic transformation [1] Financial Performance - Apple management expects holiday quarter revenue to grow by 10% to 12%, reaching approximately $137 billion to $139 billion, which is about double Wall Street's expectations [2][3] - This quarter is projected to be Apple's highest in terms of revenue and iPhone sales [2][3] Product Strategy - Apple plans to launch several key hardware products in 2026, including the iPhone 17e, entry-level iPad with A18 chip, and M4 processor-equipped iPad Air [3] - The company will also introduce its first smart display and upgrade its AI products with a new Siri voice assistant based on Google's Gemini model [4][5] AI and Smart Home Initiatives - The new Siri will leverage AI-driven features and is expected to enhance Apple's brand image [5][6] - Apple is entering the smart home market with a focus on security ecosystems, including cameras, alongside the launch of its smart display [4] Competitive Challenges - Apple faces significant challenges in the smart home sector, entering late and needing to overcome established competitors like Google and Amazon [1][9] - The foldable iPhone will be released years after competitors, raising questions about its market acceptance [1][9] Regulatory and Geopolitical Risks - Potential adjustments to the App Store business model could impact revenue from developers [8] - Ongoing geopolitical tensions and tariffs pose risks, with Apple having previously absorbed billions in losses [9]

Core Insights - Apple is facing significant development challenges in its efforts to create a new iPad with a large foldable screen, potentially delaying its release from 2028 to 2029 or later [1][3][6] - The anticipated price for this foldable iPad is around $3,000, which is approximately three times the cost of the current 13-inch iPad Pro [3][6] - Apple is collaborating with Samsung Display to develop an 18-inch panel that minimizes visible creases, similar to the technology used in its upcoming foldable iPhone [1][3] Development Challenges - The engineering challenges related to weight, functionality, and display technology are significant, with the prototype weighing about 3.5 pounds, comparable to a MacBook Pro [3][6] - The use of ultra-thin glass (UTG) in the foldable iPad presents manufacturing difficulties, as it is more sensitive to micro-cracks and stress compared to traditional glass [2][3] - The project is part of a broader initiative by Apple to innovate in consumer electronics, which includes the recent launch of the iPhone Air and ongoing development of AI smart glasses and desktop robots [2][6] Market Context - The foldable iPad aims to revitalize Apple's iPad product line, which has seen declining demand as consumers shift towards Mac products [6][7] - Competitors like Huawei and Samsung have already entered the foldable device market, indicating a growing consumer willingness to pay a premium for larger screens in portable designs [6][7] - Despite the potential for growth, there are uncertainties regarding the project's viability due to technical challenges and market competition [7]

Core Insights - Apple's first foldable iPhone is confirmed to debut in 2026 as part of the iPhone 18 series, while a larger foldable iPad is expected to launch in 2028 with a screen size of 18-20 inches targeting the high-end mobile productivity market [1][4]. Product Details - Both devices will utilize Corning's Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG), with General Interface Solution (GIS) responsible for cutting, edge processing, quality control, and logistics, which is crucial for ensuring the foldability and scratch resistance of the devices [4]. - The estimated starting price for the foldable iPhone is expected to be on par or slightly higher than the current Pro Max model, while the 18-inch foldable iPad is anticipated to set a new price ceiling for the iPad product line, aimed at professional creative and desktop replacement scenarios [4]. Production Timeline - Initial small-scale production of components for the foldable devices is projected to begin in Q4 2025, with large-scale preparations expected to commence in Q2 2026 [4].

Core Insights - Apple is planning a significant overhaul of its flagship product, the iPhone, with major design changes set to roll out over the next three years, marking a historic shift in iPhone innovation [1][6] Group 1: Upcoming Product Launches - The iPhone Air, a new ultra-thin model, will be launched in September 2023, replacing the iPhone 16 Plus and following the strategy of the MacBook Air [2] - In 2026, Apple will introduce its first foldable iPhone, codenamed V68, featuring a book-style design similar to Samsung's Galaxy Fold, which can unfold into a small tablet [3] - By 2027, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, Apple will release the "iPhone 20" with a new curved glass design, moving away from the flat edges used since 2020 [5] Group 2: Design and Features - The iPhone Air will have compromises such as reduced battery life, a single rear camera, and the removal of the physical SIM card slot, while utilizing Apple's in-house modem chip [2] - The foldable iPhone will feature four cameras and will revert to Touch ID for biometric authentication, abandoning Face ID [3] - The iPhone 20's curved glass design is expected to enhance user experience and set a new design standard for the next decade [5] Group 3: Market Strategy and Consumer Engagement - Apple's three-year redesign initiative aims to address the stagnation in iPhone design innovation, which has shifted focus to internal components rather than external aesthetics [6] - The company seeks to reignite consumer excitement and demonstrate that the iPhone remains a core innovation driver for the world's most valuable company [6]

Core Viewpoint - Apple is planning a significant redesign of its flagship iPhone products over the next three years, introducing thinner, foldable, and curved screen models, marking a historic shift in iPhone design [3][7][16] Group 1: Upcoming Product Launches - In September 2023, Apple will launch the new "iPhone Air," which will replace the iPhone 16 Plus and feature a thinner design [4][8] - In 2026, Apple will introduce its first foldable iPhone, codenamed V68, which will adopt a book-style design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Fold, allowing it to unfold into a small tablet [5][11][12] - By 2027, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, Apple will release a model with a new curved glass design, moving away from the flat-edged style used since 2020 [6][15] Group 2: Design Features and Innovations - The iPhone Air will follow the strategy of the MacBook Air, focusing on being thinner and lighter, but will compromise on battery life and camera features, including the removal of the physical SIM card slot [9] - The foldable iPhone will feature four cameras and will also eliminate the SIM card slot, returning to Touch ID for biometric recognition instead of Face ID [13][14] - The 2027 model is expected to integrate a new "Liquid Glass" interface, enhancing user experience with a fresh visual and tactile design [15] Group 3: Market Strategy and Consumer Engagement - This three-year redesign initiative aims to revitalize consumer interest in the iPhone, which has seen a decline in innovative design, with recent updates focusing more on internal components rather than external aesthetics [16] - The goal is to reintroduce the "wow factor" that once drove consumers to eagerly purchase new models, thereby reaffirming the iPhone's role as a core innovation driver for Apple [16]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses Apple's significant design overhaul plan for the iPhone over the next three years, marking a renewed focus on innovation after years of stagnation in external design [5][15]. Group 1: Upcoming Product Launches - In September 2023, Apple will launch the new "iPhone Air," which will replace the existing Plus model, featuring a thinner design [2][6]. - The first foldable iPhone, codenamed V68, is set to be released in 2026, adopting a book-style design similar to Samsung's Galaxy Fold, allowing it to unfold into a small tablet [3][8]. - By 2027, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, Apple will introduce a model with a new curved glass design, moving away from the square edges used since 2020 [4][13]. Group 2: Design Features and Changes - The iPhone Air will follow the strategy of the 2008 MacBook Air, focusing on being thinner and lighter, but will compromise on battery life and camera features, including the removal of the physical SIM card slot [7]. - The foldable iPhone will feature four cameras and will also eliminate the SIM card slot, returning to Touch ID for biometric recognition instead of Face ID [10][11]. - The 2027 model will feature a curved glass design that complements a new "Liquid Glass" interface, aiming to enhance user experience and set a new design standard for the next decade [13]. Group 3: Market Implications - This three-year design transformation plan is a response to the perceived stagnation in iPhone design innovation, which has led to a decline in consumer excitement and the "wow factor" associated with new releases [14][15]. - By introducing distinct new designs, Apple aims to rekindle consumer interest and demonstrate to the market and investors that the iPhone remains a core innovation driver for the company [15].

Core Insights - Apple is planning a significant overhaul of its flagship iPhone product line over the next three years, introducing thinner, foldable, and curved screen models for the first time in its history [1][6] Group 1: Upcoming Product Launches - The new iPhone Air will debut in September 2023, replacing the iPhone 16 Plus, and will follow the strategy of being thinner and lighter, similar to the MacBook Air launched in 2008 [2] - The iPhone Air will have compromised battery life, a single rear camera, and will eliminate the physical SIM card slot, while using Apple's in-house modem chip instead of Qualcomm's [2] - In 2026, Apple will launch its first foldable iPhone, codenamed V68, which will feature a book-style design similar to Samsung's Galaxy Fold, and will include four cameras [3] - By 2027, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, Apple will introduce a model with a new curved glass design, moving away from the flat edges used since 2020 [5] Group 2: Strategic Rationale - The three-year redesign initiative aims to address the stagnation in iPhone design innovation, as recent updates have focused more on internal components rather than external aesthetics [6] - There is a perception that the iPhone's design has lost its "wow factor," leading to purchases driven by necessity rather than excitement, prompting Apple to reinvigorate consumer interest through distinct new designs [6]