Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the anticipated release of Apple's first foldable iPhone, highlighting its potential features and market positioning, while questioning the necessity and functionality of foldable smartphones in general [4][5][24]. Group 1: Product Development and Features - Apple is expected to launch its foldable iPhone by the end of 2024, with a price starting at $2000, aligning with previous leaks from analysts [4][24]. - The foldable iPhone will feature a book-style design, expanding from a 5.5-inch screen to a 7.8-inch screen when opened, which is close to the size of an iPad mini [6][15]. - The device's thickness will range from 9mm to 9.5mm when folded and 4.5mm to 4.8mm when opened, which is comparable to other recent foldable models [7]. - The foldable iPhone will utilize components from competitors, including a foldable OLED screen from Samsung, indicating a reliance on existing technology rather than pioneering new innovations [9]. - Apple is reportedly working on a "no crease" display technology, with two internal prototypes under development [9][10]. Group 2: Market Context and Challenges - The foldable smartphone market is currently small, with only 700 million units shipped in China in 2023, representing just 2% of the total smartphone market [24]. - There is skepticism about the practical applications of foldable smartphones, as the market has yet to see a product that significantly alters consumer perceptions [25][26]. - The article raises concerns about whether the foldable iPhone can justify its high price point and meet consumer expectations, especially given the existing competition and market dynamics [29][30]. Group 3: AI Integration and Future Prospects - The foldable iPhone is being positioned as a "true AI phone," capable of multi-modal and cross-app functionalities, which could redefine user interaction through AI agents [20][21]. - The potential for AI integration suggests that the foldable iPhone could serve as a versatile device, merging the capabilities of a smartphone, tablet, and PC [25]. - The timeline for the foldable iPhone's release indicates that while initial specifications may be finalized in 2024, mass production may not occur until late 2026, highlighting the challenges in bringing this product to market [24][22].

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]

Group 1 - Apple will exclusively use Samsung OLED panels for its first foldable iPhone set to launch in the second half of next year, highlighting Samsung's technological advantage in reducing screen creases, a key factor in foldable phone design [1] - Samsung plans to start full supply of the OLED panels by the end of this year or early next year, with the foldable iPhone expected to feature a high-end OLED panel similar to the 7.8-inch iPad Mini and an external display of approximately 5.5 inches [1] - The expected price of the foldable iPhone is around $2000, directly competing with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold [2] Group 2 - Industry insiders note that Samsung's six years of expertise in foldable OLED technology since the launch of the Galaxy Fold in 2019 was crucial for securing this exclusive contract [2] - Apple prioritizes quality over price when selecting component suppliers, making Samsung the only viable option [2] - The anticipated supply volume for the foldable iPhone may exceed initial estimates of 9 million units, potentially reaching over 15 million units [2] Group 3 - The significant demand for the foldable iPhone could reignite growth in the foldable OLED market, which saw a slight increase of 2.9% last year according to Counterpoint Research [2] - This strategic partnership is expected to impact Samsung's market share in the foldable OLED sector, which dropped to nearly 40% last year due to intense competition, but is projected to rise significantly to around 70% next year as foldable OLED deliveries commence [2] - Apple's entry into the foldable phone market is likely to attract interest from high-income consumers in North America and may act as a catalyst for the overall market's growth [3]

Core Viewpoint - Apple has decided to rely solely on Samsung Display for the OLED panels of its upcoming foldable iPhone, prioritizing screen quality over supplier diversification [1][2]. Group 1: Product Specifications and Launch Timeline - The foldable iPhone is planned for release in the second half of 2026, featuring an external screen size of 5.5 inches and a larger 7.8-inch display when unfolded [1]. - The expected launch price for the foldable iPhone is estimated to be around $2,000 [1]. Group 2: Supplier Strategy and Market Dynamics - Apple typically uses multiple suppliers to mitigate risks and enhance pricing leverage, but for the foldable iPhone, it has chosen to depend entirely on Samsung Display due to its technological advantage in foldable OLED panels accumulated since the launch of Galaxy Fold in 2019 [2]. - The anticipated annual shipment volume for the foldable iPhone is projected to reach 15 million units, significantly higher than the previous estimate of 9 million units [2]. Group 3: Industry Context and Challenges - The foldable smartphone market has seen various brands enter since Samsung's initial launch, but Apple has delayed its entry due to the technical challenges associated with foldable devices, such as increased thickness and screen creasing issues [2].