Apple’s Foray into the Foldable Market Might Benefit Its Main Competitor
Apple has recently introduced the iPhone Duo, marking its first venture into the foldable phone arena. Even though it won’t be available for purchase until next month, the announcement has already caused a stir within the smartphone community. While Apple is exploring this format, companies like Samsung have been established players in this market, with the original Galaxy Fold launched in 2019 being one of the earliest foldable devices to gain popularity.
The debut of the iPhone Duo could inadvertently favor competing models such as the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Although Samsung may not celebrate Apple’s entry, the buzz around the iPhone Duo is likely to draw more attention to the entire category of foldable phones.
The iPhone Duo Increases Interest in Foldable Devices
Currently, Samsung holds a significant portion of the foldable device market, although this segment remains a small fraction of the overall smartphone industry. IDC reported that around 20.6 million foldable phones were shipped last year, a mere fraction compared to the 1.25 billion conventional smartphones sold globally. The introduction of the iPhone Duo could potentially alter this landscape, and we are already perceiving early impacts.
Recent data indicates a surge in purchases of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 following the iPhone Duo announcement. This could signify a growing public interest in foldable devices, or perhaps enthusiasts are eager to experience this format ahead of the iPhone Duo’s release. Samsung seems to acknowledge this shift, as it has begun reducing the prices of its foldable phones in various markets. Such competition ultimately benefits consumers, presenting them with better deals.
With Apple’s entry into the market, other manufacturers will need to elevate their offerings to stay competitive. This could lead to a wider range of choices and prices. While there is currently only one iteration of the iPhone Duo, Samsung offers a diverse range of foldables, from the budget-friendly Galaxy Z Flip7 FE to the premium Z Fold 8 Ultra. Over time, this competitive environment might even compel Apple to develop a more affordable version of the iPhone Duo.
Manufacturers Should Prioritize Foldable Technology
The hardware and software aspects benefit from broader competition as well. Although foldable phones are no longer novel, Apple has shown its capability to catch up swiftly. For instance, while the issue of visible screen creases hasn’t been entirely eliminated, it’s significantly less visible on the iPhone Duo due to its matte nano-textured covering—a trend that other manufacturers may soon replicate.
The iPhone Duo also introduces a user interface tailored specifically to accommodate multiple layouts—folded, unfolded, or partially open—retaining the essence of iOS while enhancing usability. In contrast, many existing foldable phones merely resize the same interface across different screens, which can result in a lackluster experience. Developers are already working on bringing the iPhone Duo’s unique opening and closing animations to Android, indicating potential trends across the industry in the near future.
While Apple may not have pioneered the foldable phone concept, its entry is poised to significantly influence the entire foldable phone landscape going forward.
