智通财经APP获悉，三星电子(SSNLF.US)移动体验(MX)业务首席运营官崔元俊(Won-Joon Choi)周四在 发布新款Galaxy S26系列后接受采访时透露，该公司仍在评估是否会继去年推出的Galaxy S25 Edge之后 再发布另一款超薄智能手机，这款初代产品的销量相对公司其他机型较为"低迷"。崔元俊还表示，该公 司同样尚未承诺会推出下一代TriFold三折叠手机。这款售价近3000美元的新型手机配备两个铰链，展 开后可变成一个大尺寸平板电脑。但他暗示，该公司正在开发一款更宽版的标准Galaxy Z Fold，其形态 可能对标苹果计划推出的首款折叠手机。 Edge系列前景未明 去年，三星发布了首款超薄手机——厚度仅5.8毫米——试图在iPhone Air推出之前抢占先机。不过，崔 元俊表示，这款设备由于电池续航不及公司高端机型，其销量"相对低于其他产品线"。因此，崔元俊称 公司正在评估该产品线的未来，是否推出后续机型仍未确定。崔元俊表示："人们在选择设备时有不同 的喜好、需求和标准。我们尚未决定何时推出下一代产品，但仍在考虑之中。" 尽管去年秋季发布的iPhone Air厚度略薄于S25 E ...

Core Insights - Apple is reportedly preparing to launch its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Fold, in the second half of 2026, followed by the iPhone Flip in 2027, as part of a broader "foldable matrix" strategy that will encompass its entire product line, including iPads and MacBooks [3][4][5][9]. Group 1: Product Launch Timeline - The first phase involves the iPhone Fold, a book-style device with an internal screen size of approximately 7.9 to 8 inches, aimed at blurring the lines between iPhone and iPad [6][8]. - The second phase will introduce the iPhone Flip in 2027, targeting fashion and portability, aligning with Apple's existing product segmentation [9][11]. Group 2: Technological Innovations - Apple is developing advanced flexible screen technologies, including a self-healing screen that can repair minor scratches and dents through a unique polymer material [15][16][17]. - Another innovation includes a flexible display with integrated heating elements to prevent screen brittleness in cold temperatures, ensuring durability in extreme conditions [21][25]. Group 3: Market Strategy - Apple's foldable strategy is designed to stimulate demand in a market where traditional smartphones are experiencing diminishing returns, particularly among users reluctant to upgrade from older models [37][38]. - The company aims to leverage its control over iOS, iPadOS, and macOS to ensure a seamless software ecosystem that adapts to the new foldable devices, enhancing user experience [38][39]. Group 4: Future Product Integration - The foldable MacBook, expected to be a 20.3-inch device, will merge the functionalities of iPads and MacBooks, potentially transforming the user interaction paradigm [13][30][34]. - This integration reflects Apple's strategy to create a cohesive ecosystem where devices share the same chip architecture and cloud data, ultimately enhancing user engagement within the Apple ecosystem [40][41].

Core Viewpoint - Apple is considering the release of a thinner iPhone Air in 2027, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the iPhone series, and is exploring the use of Color Filter Encapsulation (CoE) technology to achieve ultra-thin panels [1][2]. Group 1: CoE Technology - CoE technology replaces the polarizer used in current OLEDs with color filters, improving light transmittance, reducing power consumption, and decreasing thickness [2]. - Apple plans to first implement CoE technology in its first foldable product, expected to launch in the second half of 2026, before potentially using it in the iPhone Air [2]. Group 2: Industry Response - Samsung Display is preparing for the market demand for CoE technology by discussing supplementary investments in its 6th generation OLED production line [3]. - LG Display has announced a significant investment of 1.26 trillion KRW before 2027, with 700 billion KRW allocated for CoE equipment at its Paju plant [3]. Group 3: Market Uncertainty - There is uncertainty in the market regarding the launch of the iPhone Air with CoE technology, as delays could lead to blind investments by Korean panel manufacturers [5]. - The sales performance of the recently launched iPhone 17 Air was below expectations, prompting Apple to cancel the Air model in the upcoming iPhone 18 series [5].

Core Viewpoint - The era of small-screen laptops is officially over with Apple's discontinuation of the 11-inch MacBook Air, marking a shift towards more efficient devices like tablets and foldable screens [1][16]. Group 1: Discontinuation of Small-Screen Laptops - Apple has officially classified the 11-inch MacBook Air (early 2015) as obsolete, ceasing technical support and after-sales service [1]. - The decline of small-screen laptops began with the introduction of the new iPad Pro in 2018, which effectively ended the small-screen laptop era [1]. Group 2: Historical Context of Small-Screen Laptops - The market for laptops with screens smaller than 13 inches was once vibrant, with brands like VAIO leading the charge with ultra-portable models [2]. - Other manufacturers, including ASUS and Acer, also contributed to the popularity of small laptops, which became ubiquitous in various public spaces [4]. Group 3: Limitations of Small-Screen Laptops - Small-screen laptops face inherent design limitations that hinder performance and thermal management, leading to reduced CPU and GPU capabilities [5]. - The compact design compromises user experience, particularly in keyboard usability and touchpad functionality, making long typing sessions uncomfortable [7]. - Battery life remains a significant drawback, with small-screen laptops unable to match the all-day battery performance of tablets [7]. Group 4: Rise of Tablets as Competitors - The introduction of the iPad in 2010 marked a turning point, as it effectively replaced many use cases for small-screen laptops by offering better portability, battery life, and user experience [8][10]. - The app ecosystem for tablets has outperformed traditional PC applications, further driving users away from small-screen laptops [10]. Group 5: Evolution of Consumer Preferences - The trend towards smaller, more portable devices reflects a long-standing consumer desire for convenience and efficiency in personal computing [13]. - The emergence of foldable screens represents the next step in this evolution, continuing the pursuit of compact devices that retain core functionalities [15]. Group 6: Conclusion on Market Trends - The discontinuation of the 11-inch MacBook Air signifies a recognition that small-screen laptops were never the future but rather a transitional phase [16]. - The market's focus is shifting towards devices that offer better usability in smaller formats, such as tablets and foldable phones, rather than merely smaller laptops [16][17].

Investment Rating - The industry rating is "Outperform the Market" [7][13] Core Insights - Huawei has launched its second-generation foldable smartphone, the Mate XTs, featuring the Kirin 9020 processor and enhanced durability with a 30% increase in impact resistance due to the use of non-Newtonian fluid materials and UTG glass [3][5] - The global foldable smartphone market is expected to see stable growth, with an estimated shipment of approximately 19.83 million units in 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 6.0%. By 2029, shipments are projected to approach 27.29 million units, with a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% [5] - In the first half of 2025, China's foldable smartphone market reached a shipment of 4.98 million units, marking a year-on-year increase of 12.6%, with Huawei capturing a 75% market share by shipping 3.74 million units [5] Summary by Sections Market Developments - Huawei's Mate XTs is the first foldable smartphone with PC capabilities, showcasing advancements in hinge technology and screen durability [3] - Apple is expected to release its first foldable iPhone in the fall of 2026, which will adopt a book-style fold similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold [4] Investment Opportunities - The report suggests focusing on companies involved in foldable screen hinges (e.g., Jingyan Technology, Dongmu Co., Tonglian Precision, Yian Technology, Lingyi Zhi Zao, Kosen Technology) [5] - Other areas of interest include panel equipment, flexible cover lamination equipment, liquid cooling micro pumps, automated assembly equipment, and 3D printing applications [5]

Market Trends & Dynamics - Foldable smartphones are gaining traction, with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series breaking preorder records, indicating growing consumer interest in the foldable form factor [2] - The foldable phone market, while still niche, is evolving, with more brands entering the space, including Google, Motorola, Huawei, and Xiaomi, and Apple reportedly planning to join in 2026 [3][4][5] - Foldable smartphones currently account for less than 2% of global smartphone shipments in 2024, highlighting their limited market share compared to traditional smartphones [12] Technological Advancements & Challenges - Early foldable phones faced durability issues, particularly with screen creases and hinge design, but recent models have made significant improvements in these areas [9][10][11] - Samsung's latest foldable phones have reduced thickness and improved battery life, addressing previous concerns and bringing them closer to flagship phone standards [11][12] - Apple's potential entry into the foldable market is contingent on solving durability and usability challenges, aiming for a user experience-focused approach [15][16] Pricing & Accessibility - The high price of foldable phones, ranging from $1500 to $2000, remains a barrier to mass adoption, positioning them as a niche product in the premium smartphone market [12][13] - Samsung is starting to lower prices, with models like the Flip seven launching under $1000, suggesting a trend towards more accessible pricing as the technology matures [24][25] - Industry anticipates that for foldable phones to become mainstream, the price premium needs to be in the 10-20% range relative to a normal phone [23] AI & User Experience - Samsung and Google are positioning foldables as AI-first devices, leveraging the larger screen for enhanced multitasking, immersive tools, and content creation [19][20] - The larger screen of foldable phones facilitates AI-driven use cases, enhancing productivity and creativity by reducing friction in phone usage [20][21]

Core Viewpoint - Apple plans to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026 and a foldable iPad in 2028, utilizing ultra-thin glass cover solutions supplied exclusively by Corning [2][3] Group 1: Product Details - The foldable iPhone is expected to have a book-style fold similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold, with a thickness of 9 to 9.5 mm when folded and approximately 4.5 to 4.8 mm when opened [4] - The device will feature a 5.5-inch external display and a 7.8-inch internal display, with a key selling point being "almost no crease" on the inner screen [4] - The foldable iPhone will include four cameras, with dual rear cameras and front cameras usable in both folded and unfolded states, and will replace Face ID with a side-mounted Touch ID button [4] Group 2: Market Predictions - Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that the foldable iPhone's shipment will reach 8 to 10 million units in 2026, increasing to 25 million units in 2027 [2] - IDC forecasts that global shipments of foldable smartphones will reach approximately 19.83 million units by 2025, with a year-on-year growth of about 6.0% [2] Group 3: Pricing and Release - The foldable iPhone is expected to be the most expensive iPhone ever, with UBS analysts estimating a price range of $1,800 to $2,000, while other reports suggest prices could be between $2,000 and $2,500 in the U.S. [5] - The device is anticipated to enter mass production by late September or early October, with a launch expected at the fall event next year [5]

Group 1: Product Launch and Specifications - Apple plans to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026 and a foldable iPad in 2028, both utilizing ultra-thin glass cover solutions supplied exclusively by Corning [1] - The foldable iPhone is expected to have a thickness of 9 to 9.5 mm when folded and 4.5 to 4.8 mm when opened, featuring a 5.5-inch external display and a 7.8-inch internal display [2] - The foldable iPad will offer an 18 to 20-inch display area when opened, making it the largest mobile device screen Apple has ever produced [1] Group 2: Market Predictions and Sales Forecast - The foldable iPhone's shipment volume is projected to reach 8 to 10 million units in 2026, increasing to 25 million units in 2027 [1] - IDC forecasts that global shipments of foldable smartphones will reach approximately 19.83 million units by 2025, with a year-on-year growth of about 6.0% [1] - If Apple enters the foldable smartphone market in 2026, it is expected to significantly increase consumer interest and acceptance of foldable products [1] Group 3: Competitive Landscape and Pricing - Apple is considered a latecomer in the foldable device market compared to competitors like Samsung and Huawei, but its strong supply chain control and brand influence may redefine product standards [1] - The foldable iPhone is anticipated to be the most expensive iPhone ever, with price estimates ranging from $1,800 to $2,500 [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the anticipated release of Apple's first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Fold, expected in 2026, highlighting increased shipment forecasts and market expectations for this product [1][2]. Group 1: Shipment Forecasts - Apple has raised its shipment expectations for the foldable iPhone to 8-10 million units for 2026 and 20-25 million units for 2027, up from previous estimates of 6-8 million and 10-15 million respectively [2]. - The foldable iPad is projected to ship 500,000 to 1 million units in its first year, expected in 2028 [3]. Group 2: Market Context - In the first half of 2025, China's foldable smartphone shipments are expected to reach 4.98 million units, with Huawei holding a 75% market share at 3.74 million units [3]. - Samsung's smartphone shipments in the U.S. surged in Q2, increasing its market share from 23% to 31%, while Apple's share dropped from 56% to 49% [4]. Group 3: Product Features and Design - The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a book-style fold similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold, with a thickness of 9-9.5 mm when folded and 4.5-4.8 mm when unfolded [6]. - The device will have a 5.5-inch external display and a 7.8-inch internal display, with a key selling point being minimal screen creasing due to a metal plate design [8]. - It will include four cameras and will replace Face ID with a side-mounted Touch ID to save internal space [8]. Group 4: Pricing and Release Timeline - The foldable iPhone is anticipated to be the most expensive iPhone ever, with expected prices ranging from $1,800 to $2,500 [8]. - The device is currently in the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase and is expected to begin mass production by late September or early October, with a launch anticipated in the fall of next year [8].

When Samsung released its latest folding phone, the Galaxy Z fold seven, in July, some said the era of the folding smartphone had arrived. If you were in the market for a foldable, this is a really, really good buy. You guys know I'm an Apple girl, but this phone is literally making me so excited to learn new things and go into a whole nother world.And honestly, Z fold seven you are perfect. We just had our launch of our Galaxy Fold seven and Galaxy Flip seven, and the demand has been incredible. We broke p ...