Core Viewpoint - Samsung's recent advertisement for the Galaxy Z Fold7 mocks the iPhone's inability to stand upright, highlighting the advantages of its foldable screen technology. Apple is expected to enter the foldable phone market in 2026, which may lead to a significant shift in the industry dynamics [1][17]. Market Growth and Trends - The foldable smartphone market is experiencing a resurgence, with IDC projecting global shipments to reach approximately 19.83 million units by 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 6.0%. By 2029, shipments are expected to approach 27.29 million units, with a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% [3]. - In the first half of 2023, China's foldable smartphone shipments reached 4.98 million units, marking a year-on-year increase of 12.6% and capturing 48% of the global market share. It is anticipated that China's share will stabilize at over 40% in the next five years [5][7]. Competitive Landscape - The competition in the foldable smartphone market is intensifying, with major brands like Huawei and Samsung leading the charge. As of 2024, these two companies are projected to hold a combined 58% market share, with Samsung at 34% and Huawei at 24% [11][13]. - Huawei has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Chinese brand to surpass 10 million cumulative shipments of foldable phones since its first launch in 2019 [11]. Consumer Preferences and Market Dynamics - Consumer acceptance of foldable smartphones is increasing, with a notable preference for larger foldable models. The average transaction price for these devices remains above 7,000 yuan [7]. - The growth of the foldable market is still heavily influenced by manufacturers' product release schedules rather than consumer demand, indicating a need for strategic marketing and product positioning [8][9]. Future Outlook - Apple's anticipated entry into the foldable smartphone market is expected to accelerate the adoption of this technology, potentially increasing market volume by millions of units. The company is likely to focus on high-end markets initially, with plans to expand globally by 2027-2028 [17][18]. - The shift towards "software-defined hardware" is expected to become a defining trend in the foldable smartphone industry, emphasizing the importance of software optimization alongside hardware advancements [18].