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].

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]