Apple is allegedly set to introduce its first foldable iPhone by 2026, entering a market dominated by Samsung since the introduction of the Galaxy Z Fold in 2019.
Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently revealed key details about Apple’s plans, confirming that the device will feature a book-style design, a crease-free OLED screen, and premium pricing exceeding $2,000.
However, the foldable smartphone is said to omit Apple’s widely-used Face ID technology, marking a significant departure from its current flagship smartphones.
Advanced OLED Display: Tackling Foldable Durability Issues
Apple is emphasizing advanced OLED technology to ensure a high-quality user experience without visible screen creases. The company is reportedly developing thinner OLED panels specifically engineered for foldable devices.
These panels may eliminate traditional polarizers, significantly enhancing screen flexibility and reducing durability concerns that have affected competitors’ devices. OLED technology, recognized for excellent contrast ratios, vivid color representation, and true black levels, naturally complements foldable smartphone requirements, potentially setting Apple’s product apart from the competition.
No Face ID: Strategic or Technological Compromise?
The decision to exclude Face ID from Apple’s foldable iPhone would be particularly notable, given the company’s historical emphasis on facial recognition security.
The omission, according to Ming-Chi Kuo, is believed to be a strategic response to the technical challenges of integrating the complex TrueDepth camera system required for Face ID into a foldable form factor.Apple may explore alternative authentication methods, possibly reverting to advanced fingerprint technology or iris scanning.
By making this choice, Apple signals its willingness to compromise certain standard features to prioritize overall device reliability and form factor innovation.
High-End Market Positioning: Targeting Luxury Consumers
Apple’s decision to price its foldable phone above the $2,000 mark clearly positions it as a luxury offering within the smartphone market. Ming-Chi Kuo specifically emphasized that Apple’s high price strategy aligns with its broader brand positioning, appealing primarily to early adopters and tech enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for groundbreaking design and functionality.
This pricing decision places Apple in direct competition with Samsung’s foldable offerings, which have defined premium foldable pricing standards since the Galaxy Z Fold’s initial launch.
Strategic Timing: Apple’s Cautious Market Approach
Apple’s choice to wait until 2026 to launch its foldable iPhone reflects a historically cautious and strategic approach to market entry.
By allowing competitors, particularly Samsung, to navigate early challenges with foldable technology, Apple has gained valuable insights into consumer preferences, technological pitfalls, and market expectations.Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold, introduced in 2019, initially faced significant criticism for durability issues, visible creases, and hinge reliability.
However, Samsung’s persistent improvements and increasing adoption among enterprise users indicate substantial market evolution, setting a more mature stage for Apple’s forthcoming debut.
IDC has forecasted a substantial expansion in foldable smartphone shipments, predicting a fourfold increase by 2026 in its Worldwide Foldable Phone Forecast.
Apple’s planned timing aligns closely with this projection, suggesting the company’s intent to capitalize on broader market acceptance and technology maturation precisely when consumer demand is expected to peak.
