Core Insights - The survey conducted by SellCell indicates a growing willingness among iPhone users to upgrade to the iPhone 17 series, with 68.3% of respondents planning to make the switch, a slight increase from last year's 61.9% [2][5]. Group 1: Upgrade Intentions - Among those planning to upgrade, 38.05% are interested in the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max, while 13.51% are considering the rumored iPhone 17 Air [4][6]. - A notable 28.45% of respondents do not plan to upgrade at launch, with 3.27% expressing a preference to wait for a foldable iPhone in the future [4][7]. Group 2: Market Impact - The potential loss of revenue for Apple due to users opting out of the iPhone 17 in favor of future models is estimated at $35.9 billion, based on the assumption that 45 million users might delay their purchase [8][9]. - Despite the interest in foldable models, 69.63% of respondents indicated they would prefer to stick with Apple, showcasing strong brand loyalty [10][14]. Group 3: Consumer Preferences - 47.5% of respondents are willing to accept a thinner iPhone 17 Air with a smaller battery, while 53.2% cite insufficient battery life as a reason for upgrading [15][16]. - The iPhone 17 series is expected to attract consumers due to its design upgrades and the absence of direct competitors in the market, particularly for the iPhone 17 Air [23][26]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - In the Chinese market, iPhone sales remain strong despite the presence of diverse Android options, with the iPhone 16 series performing exceptionally well during the recent 618 sales event [21][22]. - Apple's proactive pricing strategy in the Chinese market is likely to continue benefiting the iPhone 17 series, especially with anticipated price adjustments during key sales periods [23][26].

Core Insights - The survey conducted by SellCell indicates a positive trend in iPhone upgrade intentions, with 68.3% of respondents planning to upgrade to the iPhone 17 series, a slight increase from 61.9% for the iPhone 16 series last year [1][4][6] Group 1: Upgrade Intentions - 68.3% of surveyed iPhone users plan to upgrade to the iPhone 17 series, reflecting a growing willingness to switch devices [1][4] - Among those intending to upgrade, 38.05% prefer the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max, while 13.51% are interested in the rumored iPhone 17 Air [3][4] - 31.72% of users do not plan to upgrade at launch, with 3.27% expressing a preference to wait for a foldable iPhone [6][11] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The iPhone 17 represents the first significant design change since the iPhone 12, which is expected to attract consumers [4][19] - The introduction of the iPhone 17 Air is likely to appeal to users seeking a thinner device, contributing to increased overall demand [4][19] - Despite the anticipation for future foldable models, 69.63% of respondents still prefer to stick with Apple, indicating strong brand loyalty [8][11] Group 3: Consumer Preferences - 47.5% of respondents find the potential for a thinner iPhone 17 Air acceptable, yet 53.2% cite battery life as a key reason for upgrading [12] - The survey reveals a dichotomy in consumer preferences, with a significant number willing to accept a thinner device despite concerns over battery performance [12] - The iPhone 17 series is expected to maintain strong sales momentum, particularly due to competitive pricing strategies and product upgrades [17][19]

Group 1: Market Performance - The three major U.S. stock indices collectively rose, with the Dow Jones up 0.17%, Nasdaq up 0.27%, and S&P 500 up 0.27% as of the report [1] - Chinese concept stocks showed mixed performance, with Fangdd up over 12%, while companies like Global Data, NIO, and Alibaba fell over 4% [1] Group 2: Federal Reserve and Economic Outlook - The Federal Reserve's latest Beige Book indicates price increases across regions, with most reporting "moderate or slight" inflation and little net change in overall employment levels [2] - The frequency of inflation mentions in the Beige Book is at a near four-year low, suggesting a potential shift in monetary policy [2] Group 3: IPO Regulations - Nasdaq proposed changes to listing standards, requiring new companies primarily operating in China to raise a minimum of $25 million in public offerings [4] Group 4: Gold Market - International gold prices have reached historic highs, with futures prices exceeding $3,620 per ounce and spot prices rising to $3,546, driven by expectations of interest rate cuts and concerns over the Federal Reserve's independence [5] Group 5: Electric Vehicle Market - The impending end of federal tax credits for electric vehicles may significantly impact sales for manufacturers like Tesla, General Motors, and Ford, with analysts predicting a potential 50% drop in U.S. electric vehicle sales [8] - The Inflation Reduction Act allows for tax credits of up to $7,500 for electric vehicles with a certain percentage of critical battery minerals sourced from the U.S. or its trade partners [9] Group 6: Technology and Chip Development - Google is reportedly increasing efforts to promote its self-developed chips, engaging with small cloud service providers that typically purchase Nvidia chips [10] - Google has made progress by reaching an agreement with Fluidstack to host its TPU in a New York data center, indicating a strategic move to enhance its cloud services [10]

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].

Core Viewpoint - Samsung's recent advertisement for the Galaxy Z Fold7 mocks the iPhone's inability to stand upright, highlighting the advantages of its foldable screen technology. Apple is expected to enter the foldable phone market in 2026, which may lead to a significant shift in the industry dynamics [1][17]. Market Growth and Trends - The foldable smartphone market is experiencing a resurgence, with IDC projecting global shipments to reach approximately 19.83 million units by 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 6.0%. By 2029, shipments are expected to approach 27.29 million units, with a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% [3]. - In the first half of 2023, China's foldable smartphone shipments reached 4.98 million units, marking a year-on-year increase of 12.6% and capturing 48% of the global market share. It is anticipated that China's share will stabilize at over 40% in the next five years [5][7]. Competitive Landscape - The competition in the foldable smartphone market is intensifying, with major brands like Huawei and Samsung leading the charge. As of 2024, these two companies are projected to hold a combined 58% market share, with Samsung at 34% and Huawei at 24% [11][13]. - Huawei has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Chinese brand to surpass 10 million cumulative shipments of foldable phones since its first launch in 2019 [11]. Consumer Preferences and Market Dynamics - Consumer acceptance of foldable smartphones is increasing, with a notable preference for larger foldable models. The average transaction price for these devices remains above 7,000 yuan [7]. - The growth of the foldable market is still heavily influenced by manufacturers' product release schedules rather than consumer demand, indicating a need for strategic marketing and product positioning [8][9]. Future Outlook - Apple's anticipated entry into the foldable smartphone market is expected to accelerate the adoption of this technology, potentially increasing market volume by millions of units. The company is likely to focus on high-end markets initially, with plans to expand globally by 2027-2028 [17][18]. - The shift towards "software-defined hardware" is expected to become a defining trend in the foldable smartphone industry, emphasizing the importance of software optimization alongside hardware advancements [18].

Core Viewpoint - Apple is set to unveil its iPhone Fold, a significant advancement in foldable technology, with a focus on achieving a "no crease" display, marking a strategic shift in its product line towards ultra-thin and foldable devices [4][10][34]. Group 1: Product Development and Features - The iPhone 17 series is seen as a transitional phase, with innovations like eSIM and new lens modules being preliminary steps towards more advanced designs [3][4]. - Apple's roadmap indicates a clear progression from ultra-thin models to foldable designs, culminating in the anticipated "magic glass" concept [4][5]. - The iPhone Fold is expected to feature a large foldable design, with screen sizes around 5.5 inches for the outer display and 7.8 inches for the inner display, utilizing a widescreen aspect ratio [6][7]. Group 2: Technology and Supply Chain - Apple is reportedly transitioning to in-cell touch screen technology for the iPhone Fold, which could reduce the visibility of creases and enhance touch accuracy [12][25]. - The in-cell technology represents a significant advancement over traditional on-cell methods, allowing for a thinner screen and improved durability [33][34]. - Samsung is confirmed as the sole supplier for the iPhone Fold's OLED screen, which is expected to be the first in the industry to implement the in-cell design for foldable displays [25][34]. Group 3: Market Competition - The foldable smartphone market has seen significant advancements over the past seven years, with competitors like Huawei also preparing to launch innovative foldable devices [35][38]. - The anticipated price point for the iPhone Fold is projected to exceed $2000, raising questions about its long-term sales potential compared to competitors offering more features at similar price points [39][40]. - Apple's entry into the foldable market comes after a lengthy period of development, suggesting a cautious approach to ensure product quality and market readiness [38][40].

Group 1 - Apple and Huawei have announced their product launch timelines for Fall 2025, indicating a competitive landscape in the foldable smartphone market [2] - The iPhone 17 series is seen as a transitional product, with future models expected to focus on ultra-thin designs and foldable technology [4][7] - The upcoming iPhone Fold is anticipated to feature a large foldable design, differing from the previously rumored Flip model, with screen sizes around 5.5 inches for the outer display and 7.8 inches for the inner display [9][11] Group 2 - Apple is reportedly transitioning to in-cell touch screen technology for the iPhone Fold, which could reduce the visibility of creases and improve touch accuracy [18][28] - The in-cell technology is a significant advancement over the on-cell technology used in current foldable displays, potentially leading to thinner screens and better durability [35][33] - Samsung is the exclusive supplier for Apple's foldable OLED panels, and the new in-cell solution may be a custom development for Apple, raising questions about its future availability for other devices [29][37] Group 3 - The foldable smartphone market has evolved over seven years, with Apple entering the space later than competitors like Huawei, which is set to release its own foldable devices soon [41][39] - The expected price point for the iPhone Fold is around $2,000, which may challenge its market competitiveness against other high-end devices [43] - Apple's success in the foldable market will depend on more than just the novelty of the design; it will need to deliver significant technological advancements to sustain long-term sales [41][43]

Core Viewpoint - The foldable screen market is experiencing a tug-of-war between excitement and stagnation, with manufacturers launching new products while facing inherent challenges such as high prices and quality inconsistencies [1][3]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Honor and Xiaomi have recently launched new foldable models, indicating a competitive push in the foldable screen segment [1]. - IDC predicts that the foldable screen market will enter a "small year" by 2025, with manufacturers adopting more conservative strategies due to fluctuating market growth [1][3]. - Gold Yuan Securities forecasts that by 2025, global foldable phone shipments will increase, with China's market share rising to 31%, marking it as a "second growth curve" for smartphones [3]. Group 2: Consumer Sentiment - Many consumers find foldable screens appealing but face practical issues, leading to limited repurchase intentions [4][6]. - Despite curiosity about foldable devices, actual sales remain lower than traditional models due to concerns over price and usability [5][6]. - A significant portion of mainstream applications still uses simple adaptation methods, resulting in poor user experiences [7]. Group 3: Technical Challenges - The high cost of foldable devices is primarily due to the expensive components like hinges and flexible screens, which account for over 60% of the BOM cost [6]. - Foldable devices often compromise on core specifications to maintain their unique form factor, leading to a perception of inadequate value compared to traditional smartphones [6][7]. - Durability issues persist, with high repair costs and limited availability of parts contributing to consumer hesitance [7]. Group 4: Future Outlook - TrendForce predicts that foldable phone shipments will reach 19.83 million units by 2025, maintaining a penetration rate of approximately 1.6% [8]. - The anticipated entry of Apple into the foldable market with the iPhone Fold in 2026 is seen as a potential catalyst for industry growth, although its impact on overall sales remains uncertain [9][10]. - Analysts suggest that while Apple's brand strength could enhance foldable screen adoption, other factors like pricing and application relevance may continue to limit broader market penetration [10][11].

Core Insights - The foldable screen market is experiencing a tug-of-war between excitement and stagnation, with new product launches from major players like Honor and Xiaomi indicating a competitive landscape, yet data shows a decline in growth rates and challenges in market penetration [1][2][4] Market Performance - In 2024, China's foldable screen shipments reached 9.17 million units, marking a 30.8% year-on-year increase, but the fourth quarter saw a decline of 9.6% compared to the previous year, ending a streak of nine consecutive quarters of growth [1] - The first quarter of 2025 saw shipments of 2.84 million units, a 53.1% year-on-year increase, but the second quarter dropped to 2.21 million units, reflecting a 14% year-on-year decline, indicating volatility in market performance [2] Industry Trends - The foldable screen segment is projected to account for 31% of the global market by 2025, becoming a significant growth driver in the high-end smartphone market [4] - Despite ongoing product and technological advancements, the market is facing challenges in expanding its user base and attracting new customers, as the novelty of foldable designs is wearing off [5][6] Consumer Sentiment - Many consumers perceive foldable screens as "good-looking but not practical," with high prices and usability issues hindering their transition from novelty items to essential devices [8] - The average price for foldable devices remains high, with some models priced over 5,000 yuan, leading consumers to question the value compared to traditional smartphones [8][9] Future Outlook - TrendForce predicts that foldable phone shipments will reach 19.8 million units in 2025, maintaining a penetration rate of approximately 1.6% [10] - The anticipated entry of Apple into the foldable market with the iPhone Fold in 2026 is expected to be a significant catalyst for industry growth, although its impact on overall market dynamics remains uncertain [11][12]

Group 1 - The core idea of the article revolves around Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 series, which is expected to mark a significant shift in design and technology, moving towards a thinner and lighter smartphone [4][6][7] - The iPhone 17 Air will serve as a testing ground for new technologies and design principles, focusing on lightweight and thinness, which may influence the entire iPhone lineup in the future [8][12][24] - The trend towards eSIM technology is highlighted, indicating a move away from physical SIM card slots, which could have a substantial impact on the industry [13][15] Group 2 - The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a single camera and a self-developed C1 baseband chip, which may compromise performance for the sake of space and energy efficiency [12][20] - The article discusses the anticipated introduction of a foldable iPhone, which is set to begin production next year, featuring a large foldable design that transforms from a compact size to a larger display [27][28] - The future of the iPhone includes a fully glass design with no buttons or ports, aligning with Apple's vision of seamless integration and user experience [59][61][66] Group 3 - The article notes that the smartphone market is maturing, with declining sales and a shift in consumer behavior towards replacing old devices rather than upgrading for new features [74][76] - Apple's three-year plan aims to rejuvenate interest in the iPhone, reminiscent of past product launches that captured public attention [76][77] - Despite the challenges posed by emerging technologies like AI and XR, the iPhone remains a central focus for Apple and continues to be a vital part of its business strategy [72][73]