This is Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold7, which comes in as thinner than its predecessor, and even the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with a new 21:9 aspect ratio and a $100 price increase from the Z Fold6: https://t.co/LyLQxyG46x https://t.co/LBkhdgjEwU ...

Core Viewpoint - Domestic smartphone brands are collectively targeting Apple's upcoming foldable phone, aiming to seize market share and establish a foothold before Apple's entry [1][4][10] Group 1: Market Dynamics - Xiaomi, vivo, and Honor launched their foldable phones within ten days, attempting to shift the perception of foldable devices from niche products to mainstream options [1][3] - The average price of Android foldable phones has decreased by 18% year-on-year, positioning them favorably against Apple's anticipated $2000 foldable phone [4][6] - Apple's market share in China is projected to decline from 19% in 2023 to 15% in 2024, with a significant drop in shipments and ranking [7][8] Group 2: Competitive Strategy - Domestic brands are focusing on breaking Apple's ecosystem barriers and promoting cross-ecosystem connectivity, which is seen as a weakness for Apple [3][11] - Vivo's X Fold5 exemplifies this strategy by enabling synchronization with Apple devices, showcasing a shift from hardware competition to software ecosystem integration [14][11] - The competitive landscape is shifting towards a focus on software and ecosystem advantages, with domestic brands aiming to attract Apple users through innovative features and services [10][11] Group 3: Supply Chain and Technology - Apple's reliance on Samsung for OLED panels poses risks, as it increases costs and may affect product quality and release timelines [4][6] - Samsung holds a dominant position in the global smartphone market with a 20.4% share, while Apple follows with 18.4% [6][8] - Domestic brands have been developing foldable technology for years, giving them a technological edge as they launch products ahead of Apple [4][6]

Core Insights - Samsung has launched the Galaxy Z Fold6, which is thinner and lighter than its predecessor, as part of its strategy to compete with Chinese rivals in the foldable smartphone market [1][4] - The importance of slim foldable designs has increased, as consumers are less willing to accept thicker and heavier devices for the benefits of a folding phone [2][6] - Chinese competitors like Honor and Oppo have successfully differentiated themselves with thinner and lighter foldable devices, prompting Samsung to enhance its offerings [3][5] Company Developments - Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold6 measures 12.1 millimeters thick and weighs 239 grams, while competitors like Oppo's Find N5 and Honor's Magic V3 are significantly thinner and lighter [3] - The upcoming launch of a new thinner version of Samsung's flagship foldable smartphone is expected to take place next month, indicating the company's commitment to improving its foldable lineup [1][4] - Honor is also set to launch its latest folding phone, the Magic V5, on July 2 in China, intensifying competition in the foldable market [4] Market Trends - The foldable smartphone market is projected to account for only 2% of the overall smartphone market this year, highlighting the challenges in consumer adoption [6] - Analysts suggest that thinner foldables may attract consumer interest and encourage a shift in preferences towards folding devices [6] - Despite advancements, there remains skepticism about the necessity of foldable devices among consumers, which could hinder market growth [7]