Noida, Sep 9 (APAC Media): Apple is set to enter the foldable smartphone market with a premium iPhone that has reportedly been more than a decade in development, as the tech giant looks to challenge rivals already competing in the fast-growing segment.
The foldable iPhone project gained momentum around 2020 after Apple CEO Tim Cook became increasingly interested in the growing popularity of foldable devices in Asian markets, according to people familiar with the development.
“Tim was the earliest and biggest champion of the concept,” said one person familiar with the project. One person familiar with the project stated, “Tim was the earliest and biggest champion of the concept.” “He saw them everywhere in Asia and said Apple needed to play in this space.”
Apple had been exploring foldable technology before Samsung and other smartphone makers brought such devices to the mainstream. The company is understood to have tested several designs before focusing on a foldable iPhone that could offer a larger display while retaining the portability of a smartphone.
The device is expected to be priced at around $2,000, according to reports, putting it well above Apple’s existing iPhone lineup. Higher-storage versions could cost considerably more.
The foldable iPhone is reportedly expected to have a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch screen when unfolded. Apple has also been working on the device’s hinge mechanism and display materials, with engineers seeking to reduce the crease commonly visible on foldable screens.
The company is said to be considering a titanium-and-aluminium hinge design and specially developed cover glass as part of efforts to improve durability.
Analysts expect the device to appeal particularly to consumers willing to pay a premium for a new form factor. Some reports suggest Apple could face trade-offs involving battery capacity and camera specifications because of the engineering demands of a foldable design.
“Trust me, despite the high price, the foldable iPhone will be wildly successful,” IDC smartphone researcher Nabila Popal said, according to the report.
Popal also compared the potential appeal of the device in China to that of a luxury product, saying it could become the “Birkin” of smartphones.
Apple’s entry could significantly reshape the premium foldable market, where Samsung, Huawei and other manufacturers have already launched multiple generations of devices. The company has yet to officially confirm the foldable iPhone or provide details about its specifications, pricing or launch timeline.
News Agency Inputs
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