As Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 go on sale, the South Korean company has much to look forward to in the foldable smartphone market. It also has a chance to be thankful, and one of the subtle thanks could be heading towards Tim Cook and Apple’s mysterious project… the iPhone Fold.
iPhone Fold Buzz
First of all, the buzz around foldable technology has been building during the last twelve months. While various Android manufacturers have been contributing to this, one of the key drivers has been the potential of Apple to join in this part of the market. Talk of the iPhone Fold can be found on specialist and various consumer technology websites, including here at Forbes.
iPhone Fold Is Coming
The traditional idea of Apple being late to a party but bringing the best implementation possible may have been damaged by the botched rollout of the awkwardly backronymed Apple Intelligence. However, an iPhone Fold still feels right, especially to the consumer market.
While the Galaxy handsets go on sale today, Apple’s iPhone Fold is not expected until September 2026 at the earliest. If there’s one thing that many who buy at the top end of the technology portfolios are known for, it’s a magpie-like fascination with anything shiny and new. If it’s there, they want it right now.
When Is The iPhone Fold Arriving?
There’s no iPhone Fold right now, but there is the Galaxy Z Fold 7 that’s ready for purchase. And if you’re updating your phone every year, you can get this shiny foldable this year, and the next more prestigious foldable when September come around next year.
Let’s not forget that every single one of those iPhone Folds will benefit Samsung. Numerous reports from the supply chain note that Apple has decided against developing a brand new foldable screen from scratch and will instead turn to Samsung Display to supply the key component of its origami smartphone. If you can’t beat the competition, make sure you sell to them instead.
Thank You, iPhone Fold
Foldables have been around for many years. Samsung released the first Galaxy Fold in 2019, with the competition following in ever-increasing numbers. For a long time, they have been regarded as halo devices, used to show the technical prowess of the manufacturer. That is changing; as consumer confidence grows, so do sales. Samsung is leading the way, but Tim Cook’s plans for the iPhone are giving the Galaxy Fold a boost in today’s market.
I wonder if a thank-you card is in the post?
Now read the latest iPhone Fold, iPad, and Mac news in Forbes’ weekly Apple news digest…
