Group 1 - Samsung Electronics is negotiating partnerships with companies like OpenAI and Perplexity AI to integrate more AI services into the next-generation Galaxy devices, aiming to provide a richer alternative to Google's Gemini [1] - The company plans to offer diverse AI options for the upcoming Galaxy S26 smartphone series, moving away from reliance solely on Alphabet's AI models [1] - Samsung is reportedly close to finalizing an investment agreement with Perplexity to incorporate its applications and assistant features into its products [1] Group 2 - In the newly released Galaxy Z Flip 7 foldable phone, Samsung has adopted its self-developed Exynos chipsets to reduce dependence on Qualcomm and address market concerns regarding the efficiency and thermal performance of its Exynos series [2] - Apple is set to launch its first foldable iPhone next year, which will feature a design similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series and utilize several core components, including foldable OLED screens supplied by Samsung Display [2] - The introduction of more global companies into the foldable phone market is seen as beneficial for industry development, according to Samsung's mobile business president [2]

Core Viewpoint - Apple is set to launch its first foldable iPhone by the end of next year, which is described as "the least Apple-like product ever" due to its lack of revolutionary interaction methods and hardware design [1][2]. Group 1: Foldable iPhone Details - The foldable iPhone will adopt a design similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series and will use core components, including a foldable OLED screen supplied by Samsung [2][4]. - The starting price for the foldable iPhone is expected to be no less than $2,000 (approximately 14,000 RMB), which could significantly boost iPhone revenue even if sales do not reach peak levels [4]. - Apple's entry into the foldable phone market is strategically timed as the category is particularly popular in China, where local brands like Xiaomi, Honor, Huawei, and Vivo have already launched foldable devices [4]. Group 2: iPad Pro Updates - The upcoming iPad Pro, set to launch in May 2024, will feature the M4 chip, a thinner design, and a second front-facing camera on the vertical side to enhance the user experience for both portrait and landscape orientations [7][9]. - This upgrade aims to improve the FaceTime experience and video conferencing for users who prefer different orientations, although it may pose challenges for users who primarily use the device in portrait mode [7]. Group 3: Market Position and Strategy - Apple's strategy has historically involved entering markets early and redefining product categories, as seen with the iPod, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods, which have all reshaped their respective markets [5]. - Despite the conservative design approach for the foldable iPhone, Apple's strong supply chain integration and brand power are expected to help it capture a significant share of the foldable market [10].

Core Insights - Apple is entering the foldable smartphone market as a "follower" rather than a leader, with its first foldable iPhone expected to launch by the end of 2026, following a market established by Samsung for seven years [1][2] - Unlike its previous groundbreaking products, Apple's entry into this market will not rely on revolutionary technology or design, but rather on a device similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series, with the OLED foldable screen supplied by Samsung Display [1][2] Group 1: Product Strategy - Apple's approach to the foldable smartphone will not introduce revolutionary interaction interfaces or hardware, but will aim to provide a similar experience to existing products, marking a rare follower position for a company known for leading trends [3] - The engineering team is focused on addressing long-standing weaknesses in foldable devices, such as minimizing screen creases and improving hinge durability and feel [3] - The upcoming iOS 27 will prioritize custom software features for the new device form factor to ensure a smooth user experience [3] Group 2: Market Positioning - Apple's foldable strategy is closely linked to its plans for the Chinese market, where local brands like Xiaomi and Huawei have already launched multiple foldable phones, with a preference for the "book-style" design [4] - The starting price of $2,000 aligns with the purchasing power of high-end Chinese consumers and may be a key factor in boosting sales in China [4] - Despite a lack of hardware innovation, Apple is expected to leverage its brand strength to tap into the market, as millions of iPhone users are reportedly waiting for a foldable product without wanting to switch to Android [4]

Core Insights - The report by Omdia indicates that the shipment of smartphones using flexible AMOLED displays reached 151 million units in Q1 2025, marking a 15% year-on-year increase, with a stable annual growth rate of around 20% over the past three years [1] - Flexible AMOLED displays have captured 51% of the smartphone display market, signaling a significant shift in display technology as they gradually replace traditional LCDs [1][3] Market Trends - The demand for lighter and more flexible screens among consumers has significantly boosted the shipment of flexible AMOLED displays, with more mid-to-high-end models adopting this technology due to technological maturity and cost reduction [1][3] - The market share of smartphones with AMOLED displays has risen to 63% in Q1 2025, up from 57% in the same period last year, while LCD-equipped smartphones have seen their market share decline to 37% [3][4] Technological Advantages - Flexible AMOLED displays offer superior display quality, including near-infinite contrast ratios and high peak brightness levels exceeding 1800 nits, making them ideal for high-definition content and mobile office use [2] - The foldable feature of flexible AMOLED displays is a key highlight, enabling larger screen sizes for multitasking and entertainment while maintaining portability [3] Competitive Landscape - The competition in the flexible AMOLED market is intensifying, with Chinese manufacturers like BOE, Tianma, and Visionox rapidly advancing in technology and production capacity, challenging the dominance of South Korean firms [5][6] - Omdia forecasts that by 2024, Chinese manufacturers will ship 36.4 million AMOLED panels, a significant increase of over 12 million units from 2023, indicating a growing presence in the global market [6] Future Outlook - Industry experts predict that the penetration of flexible AMOLED technology in smartphones will continue to rise, with expectations of over 750 million units shipped by the end of 2025 [4] - The competition will increasingly focus on technological innovation, production efficiency, and supply chain integration, benefiting consumers through enhanced product offerings [6][7]