Tech giant prepares radical smartphone transformation with innovative devices
Apple is poised to revolutionize its smartphone lineup with ambitious plans for thinner iPhones and groundbreaking foldable devices, signaling a potential renaissance in mobile technology design.
Beginning next year, Apple will introduce a notably thinner iPhone model, slimming down from current 8mm designs. This new iteration aims to offer a more affordable option, featuring a simplified camera system to manage production costs.
Dual foldable device strategy
Apple’s development pipeline reveals two distinct foldable devices:
- Large-format device
- Nearly 20-inch screen when unfolded
- Positioned as a potential laptop replacement
- Comparable to desktop monitor dimensions
- Compact foldable iPhone
- Screen larger than the anticipated iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Designed for enhanced portability and functionality
Technical challenges and design philosophy
The company has encountered significant hurdles in foldable device development, particularly in:
- Perfecting hinge mechanisms
- Creating durable display covers
- Implementing an inward-folding design
Analyst Jeff Pu suggests Apple’s meticulous design standards have contributed to its measured approach to entering the foldable market.
Market context
Current foldable smartphones represent a mere 1.5% of the global smartphone market. Competitors like Samsung and HUAWEI have struggled to gain substantial traction, with Counterpoint Research reporting a 1% year-over-year decline in foldable device shipments.
Strategic shifts and innovation
After a recent focus on software innovations like Apple Intelligence, the company appears to be reinvigorating hardware development. Cliff Maldonado of BayStreet Research notes, “It looks like Apple is leaning toward hardware upgrades to drive sales.”
Beyond smartphones: Vision Pro recalibration
Apple is also reassessing its Vision Pro mixed-reality headset strategy, exploring the potential of using iPhone chips to reduce cost and weight. However, preliminary testing suggests the current iPhone chip may lack sufficient power for complex applications.
Timeline and expectations
While targeting a 2026 release for foldable devices, Apple remains flexible. The company might prioritize the foldable iPhone over the larger device, depending on technological readiness.
This strategic pivot represents Apple’s most significant design evolution since the iPhone X in 2017, potentially reshaping consumer expectations for mobile devices.
