Apple has yet to launch a device that is even close to a folding phone. Despite Samsung now having mature lines with its Galaxy Z Fold/Flip smartphones, Apple does not yet see the value in the market. Even so, rumors persist a folding iPhone will come. Back in May, I reported on predictions that Apple is targeting 2025 as the year to launch that handset. However, one analyst believes that Apple will launch a folding iPad before we see a bendy-screened iPhone.
Speaking to CNBC, Ben Wood, chief of research at CCS Insight, claims:
“Right now it doesn't make sense for Apple to make a foldable iPhone. We think they will shun that trend and probably dip a toe in the water with a foldable iPad. A folding iPhone will be super high risk for Apple. Firstly, it would have to be incredibly expensive in order to not cannibalize the existing iPhones.”
Wood believes Apple would need to price the foldable iPhone at around $2,500. This is because the current highest priced iPhone (14 Max Pro with 1TB storage) costs $1,599. He adds Apple will not introduce a folding iPhone for a few years.
Folding iPad
That seems to be the general consensus, with most believing the device will not arrive until at least 2025. A timeframe around 2025-2026 could allow Apple to capitalize on the growing foldable market. Just recently, IDC predicted folding smartphone sales will explode in the coming three years.
However, Wood says the situation is different for iPad and a folding version could “breathe new life” into the product line.
While iPad is the best-selling tablet, and probably the best tablet too, sales of tablets in general are stagnant.
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