Other Apple is last to the foldables market in the US.

[Realityck]

Google is releasing a foldable whose images have been leaked.
Samsung is on their 4th-generation foldable.
Even Microsoft has a kind of foldable for sale.

Thanks to Google's new foldable, there will now be 3 foldables available in the US from major tech companies, and Apple, the inventor of the modern smartphone, will not be among them. I know Tim Cook is the "most successful CEO ever" when measured by the increase in his company's market capitalization, but it's embarrassing that the inventor of the modern smartphone was beaten to foldables by the competition.

Yes and isn't all those so called tech companies doing real well right now? All three lost a lot more market cap in 2022 than Apple. Samsung was not having fun lately either. From last year:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1585629696363929600

 

[eyoungren]

Look, I understand why a lot of people don't want, period, even if the design limitations are worked out over time. I understand the very real durability concerns, even if one is interested in the technology. What I don't understand is how people don't see the broad appeal of the technology, even if it's never going to be for them.

It's supposed to be an iPad (mini) in your pocket. That's it. People spend so much time walking and reading things on their smartphones that could greatly benefit from more screen estate. People default to the iPad for this, saying the iPhone doesn't need to be particularly good at it, but (1) do you really not see how some people would want it to be good at this and (2) do you really not see how that would make the device more capable?

Just the other day I was talking to an instructor about how I want a system to write down ideas whenever they come to me so that they stay around and so that I don't get too mentally distracted from what I'm doing. A smartphone can get you70% of the way there, but I wanted to handwrite without having a million post-it-notes flying around. We keep coming back to the iPad as the only real solution, and the iPad mini being the one that would fit my needs most easily/portably. Is it really impossible to think of how it would be easier and nicer for me if that iPad mini was in my pocket instead if in the outer sleeve of my backpack?

It doesn't bother me that people don't want or need this—I don't want or need a big-boy 12.9" iPad myself because it's too similar to my MacBook—but I do have trouble understanding how so many of you don't understand how others might use it. I don't draw, but is it really that difficult to imagine an artist on that 12.9" iPad?



It's been over 4.5 years, and if you look forward to when Google 1st and Samsung's 5th generations will be coming out, it'll have been 5. I don't suppose that's the amount of time one dedicates to something in hopes that a competitor will do it too. Their sales go up significantly every year to boot. I'm not insisting that this the next-big-thing anymore, but clearly, it has some place.

Possibly it's a generational thing, IDK.

But I have an iPad. I use that. I don't need to fold my phone out larger. And if I need something that is more powerful than an iPhone, well I have a Mac Pro that is connected to six large displays that I sit in front of from about 4am to about 8pm each day. That's my preferred device. My iPhone is for phone calls and light email/texting while my iPad is for in bed reading.

I work from home, so I'm not out much. But even before I started working from home, I'm in a profession that has me using a computer at work. And my previous job had me in front of a desktop Mac connected to three displays.

No iPhone, foldable or not, is going to surpass this for me. I realize that a lot of people use their phones as entertainment devices/computers now, but that isn't me and won't ever be.

 

[Vref]

Do people even want these?

I’ve seen one in the wild

Every time I have been to the phone shop, lots of folks at the Apple sides, some of the poors by the android, but the folding phone area I don’t see anyone

Just one man’s observation, but I wonder if in a few years it’ll just fizzle out


Also for me as a normal sized man, my 13pro (non max) is already chunky enough, ideally I’d like a iPhone 4S sized pro level phone with no camera bump and rounded edges

Problem with being a guy is we don’t have a purse, and I already have too much stuff in my pockets, a folding phone that’s even bigger, noooope

 

[adamlbiscuit]

A foldable iPhone with Apple Pencil support would be nice I admit. But otherwise, I'm not super enthralled with the idea of a foldable smartphone. I know the initial durability issues may have been sorted out but I still can't help but feel their glass is too flimsy and scratch-prone.

 

[Kierkegaarden]

Look, I understand why a lot of people don't want, period, even if the design limitations are worked out over time. I understand the very real durability concerns, even if one is interested in the technology. What I don't understand is how people don't see the broad appeal of the technology, even if it's never going to be for them.

It's supposed to be an iPad (mini) in your pocket. That's it. People spend so much time walking and reading things on their smartphones that could greatly benefit from more screen estate. People default to the iPad for this, saying the iPhone doesn't need to be particularly good at it, but (1) do you really not see how some people would want it to be good at this and (2) do you really not see how that would make the device more capable?

Just the other day I was talking to an instructor about how I want a system to write down ideas whenever they come to me so that they stay around and so that I don't get too mentally distracted from what I'm doing. A smartphone can get you70% of the way there, but I wanted to handwrite without having a million post-it-notes flying around. We keep coming back to the iPad as the only real solution, and the iPad mini being the one that would fit my needs most easily/portably. Is it really impossible to think of how it would be easier and nicer for me if that iPad mini was in my pocket instead if in the outer sleeve of my backpack?

It doesn't bother me that people don't want or need this—I don't want or need a big-boy 12.9" iPad myself because it's too similar to my MacBook—but I do have trouble understanding how so many of you don't understand how others might use it. I don't draw, but is it really that difficult to imagine an artist on that 12.9" iPad?



It's been over 4.5 years, and if you look forward to when Google 1st and Samsung's 5th generations will be coming out, it'll have been 5. I don't suppose that's the amount of time one dedicates to something in hopes that a competitor will do it too. Their sales go up significantly every year to boot. I'm not insisting that this the next-big-thing anymore, but clearly, it has some place.

Revenue growth is important, but total revenue is also important, and most important it profit. Do you have stats on total revenue for the foldable segment from Samsung? Maybe it is big enough for some given that Google is apparently interested, but it would probably still be too low volume for Apple.

 

[ToddH]

To answer posts as to “why some may need a folding phone”….

Well threads like this are opinion based right? Topics are posted, and we post our opinions. I’m just posting my opinion Here… my opinion does not apply to others, or as to why someone would want a folding phone etc. I have no use for a folding iPhone and turn it into a small tablet. My 14 pro max does everything I need from photography, photo editing, to web browsing. My 12.9” iPad Pro stays at home and used at home. I mostly use my iPhones for photography and photo forum web browsing. Thats about it…

 

[257Loner]

Do people even want these?

The especially large Chinese market will, due to their preference for large-screen phones. According to BusinessInsider, "For many Chinese, the phone is also the first, the most important, or even the only computing device they own. "People just use them for more, and therefore appreciate the bigger screen," said Frank Gillett, an analyst at technology research firm Forrester."

 

[a m u n]

This post has caused embarrassment for you as your information is inaccurate and incorrect. For instance, Poland customers intends to take legal action against Samsung for producing low-quality products:

https://www.sammobile.com/news/unhappy-foldable-phone-customers-poland-might-sue-samsung/

The technology for foldable phones is not yet ready, which is why Apple has not yet released a foldable phone — but they are working on it, as evidenced by their patents.

 

[257Loner]

And why do you care anyway?

Apple needs to make phones cool again. Foldables are cool, so Apple should make them. Phones haven't been cool since:

1996's Nokia 8110​

2004's Motorola RAZR​

2007's Apple iPhone​

 

[eyoungren]

The especially large Chinese market will, due to their preference for large-screen phones. According to BusinessInsider, "For many Chinese, the phone is also the first, the most important, or even the only computing device they own. "People just use them for more, and therefore appreciate the bigger screen," said Frank Gillett, an analyst at technology research firm Forrester."

Lots of people want the iPhone to have USB-C. In the European market, that took regulation to force Apple to do it - and they haven't yet.

Apple is entirely capable of flat out ignoring customer demand.

 

[eyoungren]

Apple needs to make phones cool again.

Aside from the fact that I don't consider foldable phones to be 'cool', is that why you buy an iPhone?

Maybe we're different (I bet we are), but with the exception of the camera bump, I think the current iPhone models do look 'cool'.

But then, I'm partial to industrial design, glass and metal.

As far as need goes…I doubt it. Apple is in no danger of 'uncool' devices not selling.

 

[Cobold]

Back in the days when everyone had a Moto Razr or some other foldable because they were „cool“, I already hated foldables and never owned a single one. I always had a „brick“-phone.
I never got the point of having to unfold my phone before using it. 🤔

So, I just don’t care about foldable smartphones and a foldable iPhone at all.

 

[antiprotest]

Apple is so late that perhaps by the time Apple does a foldable, people will have already moved on to something else.

So in this case, better never than late.

 

[toobravetosave]

Nothing funnier than applestans saying everything is a gimmick and nobody wants it until apple finally makes it. Then only praise.

 

[Realityck]

Nothing funnier than applestans saying everything is a gimmick and nobody wants it until apple finally makes it. Then only praise.

I don't think that will happen. Irregardless if it is "a fold to half size" or "a fold to double its size". They simply are less rugged solutions to resolve one of those two size issues.

You might also consider what else in todays technology uses that type of folding gimmickry other than the closest I can think of is a roll up/down OLED TV from LG. Yet the normal LG OLED TVs far out sell that solution.

 

[jz0309]

Apple needs to make phones cool again. Foldables are cool, so Apple should make them.

I have no issues with foldable phones but saying that they are “cool” is your and some other people’s opinion, nothing else.
And phones are more used today as tools, nothing else for a lot of people. The smartphone market has been stagnant for quite some time and it’s not due to “coolness”

 

[darkpaw]

Take a current iPhone 14 Pro. It's that size because all the bits inside it are required to make the phone work. Now, imagine you made this into a folding phone. Because all those bits are required - and some extra bits for the hinge etc. - they'll still be required in a folding version. You're basically cutting it in half and stacking the two bits on top of each other. That makes for one ugly fat device. Not for me, thanks.

 

[ZZ9pluralZalpha]

Embarrassing to Apple. Apple has historically lagged behind the competition in screen size.

Samsung's 2011 Galaxy Note had a 5.3-inch screen when Apple’s iPhone 4S only had a 3.5-inch screen.
Samsung's 2012 Galaxy S III had a 4.8-inch screen when Apple’s iPhone 5 only had a 4-inch one.
In 2019, when Samsung released the Galaxy Fold, its 7.3-inch screen had 65% more screen area than the iPhone 11 Pro Max’s 6.46-inch screen.

It’s about time Apple caught up to Samsung in the screen size race and release their own foldable. (Although only Apple was brave enough to release a mini, which I hope they do again.)

Some of us miss the days when non-“mini” phones actually tried to be a reasonably small size.

 

[HiVolt]

It’s still a novelty.
I just can’t get on-board with having a device that’s twice as thick as a non foldable.
As to Apple not having a foldable yet, (yawn).
I could see the usefulness if the screen, when opened, approximated a iPad Mini. That would draw my attention.

Yeah, the thickness is really something i couldnt bear. And the soft screen that is inevitably gonna get scratched. And I just can't "unsee" the fold.

Besides, i need a device that needs a case that can mount to a bicycle mount as well as a car mount.

IMO it's still a gimmick.

 

[the future]

Look, I understand why a lot of people don't want, period, even if the design limitations are worked out over time.

That‘s a very big if, though. A folding screen cannot ever be as „solid“ as a regular screen, but it needs to get much closer than existing devices (besides solving other problems).

I understand the very real durability concerns, even if one is interested in the technology. What I don't understand is how people don't see the broad appeal of the technology, even if it's never going to be for them. It's supposed to be an iPad (mini) in your pocket. That's it. People spend so much time walking and reading things on their smartphones that could greatly benefit from more screen estate.

The question is: how many people need even more screen real estate on-the-go than an iPhone Pro Max (which is arguably an iPad micro already) can give them and are willing to accept all the ways a folding device is inferior? My guess is: not many. Or at least not enough for Apple to bother.

I'm not insisting that this the next-big-thing anymore, but clearly, it has some place.

Yes, and that place is called a niche. Apple doesn‘t do niche (anymore).

Nothing funnier than applestans saying everything is a gimmick and nobody wants it until apple finally makes it. Then only praise.

It‘s almost as funny as Apple doubters still, after all these years, not understanding how it doesn‘t matter who does it first, but who does it right, first. That being said, I doubt a folding phone can be done „right“ anyways, so my money is on Apple never releasing such a device.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Getting to market isn’t a race, it’s a marathon.

If Apple really wanted to release a foldable phone then I have no doubt that they have the resources to do so - and would have done it earlier.

But the fact that they’re willing to let competitors release these devices is typical. They’re seeing how the market plays out and basically letting the likes of Samsung and Google do the research for them.

Regardless, it’s not a mainstream concept. For foldables to ‘take off’ as the next big thing, there would need to be innovation in the user experience. It’s all very well having a larger screen, but it’s what that larger screen enables that would interest Apple.

And even if Apple did find this compelling, they would need to overcome the many technological hurdles that have thus far made foldables devices with many sacrifices - notably their durability, increased thickness and weight, and creased screens.

In my opinion it’s a novelty in the smartphone format because a larger screen doesn’t enhance the tasks that you would typically use a device of that size for. On the other hand, a foldable iPad could be very compelling since it would enable new tools for creative content.

 

[rambo47]

Is Apple last to market with a foldable or will lthere never be an Apple foldable. ?????

Apple has proven you don't have to be first in a particular market, just better. iPhone, iPad, etc. They were late to the phone and tablet markets but they did it right.

I'd like to see a modern non-smartphone folder like the Motorola RAZR. Phone book and calendar, basic camera, simple text messages. No social media, no games.

 

[jz0309]

Apple has proven you don't have to be first in a particular market, just better. iPhone, iPad, etc. They were late to the phone and tablet markets but they did it right.

I'd like to see a modern non-smartphone folder like the Motorola RAZR. Phone book and calendar, basic camera, simple text messages. No social media, no games.

I'd actually love to have the Snake game (I think that was the name) that came with my RAZR back on the iPhone (maybe it's available as an app ...) ... you could choose not to install social media apps, games ...

 

[Realityck]

Getting to market isn’t a race, it’s a marathon.

If Apple really wanted to release a foldable phone then I have no doubt that they have the resources to do so - and would have done it earlier.

But the fact that they’re willing to let competitors release these devices is typical. They’re seeing how the market plays out and basically letting the likes of Samsung and Google do the research for them.

Here's a recent example of perils and pitfalls of foldable phones.

Hinge Problem Exposed on Samsung Foldable Phones

A hinge problem involving Samsung Electronics’ premium foldable Galaxy Z phone series has resurfaced. Due to the nature of a foldable phone, it should fully un

www.businesskorea.co.kr

A hinge problem involving Samsung Electronics’ premium foldable Galaxy Z phone series has resurfaced. Due to the nature of a foldable phone, it should fully unfold to 180 degrees, but sometimes it does not. If this problem continues to take place, a phenomenon occurs where black lines appear in the folded area in the middle of the foldable phone’s screen.

In fact, on the Samsung Electronics Members Community website, users have complained about this hinge problem on Galaxy Fold 4s, Galaxy Z Flips, and Galaxy Fold 2s. All of the complaints are the same, that the foldable Samsung phones do not fully unfold.

The main problem is that Samsung Electronics is not properly informing consumers of this issue. It has only been confirmed that consumers who visit service centers with the foldable phones in question get free repairs after confirming that the phone didn’t suffer from any external shocks.

Some observers say that the matter is far from being a problem because of the free repair services Samsung provides. However, a service center official says otherwise. "There are some people who use Samsung foldable phones for a while because there is no problem using them at first,” he said. “But if they drop or scratch their phones later, they are highly unlikely to receive free repair services at service centers."
---------
That last part do we think anyone at Apple would want to get into that type of PR situation?

 

[SeenJeen]

iPod was last to the market, too. How did that turn out?