Search Results for: foldable

Industry sources cited by a report from Economic Daily News have indicated that Apple is accelerating the development of its foldable device, moving up the expected launch from 2026 to 2025. Apple has reportedly placed orders for flexible panels from Samsung, with plans for the foldable device to debut with the iPad before expanding to the iPhone.

Moreover, the smartphone market leader is said to have already secured a supply of flexible panels from Samsung in the first half of this year, hinting at its determination to enter the foldable market.

Hinges are expected to be the most crucial and newly added component for Apple’s foldable device, experiencing a surge in demand. Shin Zu Shing, Taiwanese supplier for foldable smartphone hinges, having cooperated with Apple in the field for many years, stands to benefit greatly.

In addition,  other Taiwanese Apple supply chain partners, including Foxconn, Largan Precision, and Pegatron, are anticipated to benefit similarly as with existing iPad and iPhone production. The aforementioned Apple suppliers typically refrain from commenting on individual customer and order dynamics.

A report from SamMobile also indicated that, Apple may have signed a contract with Samsung Display (SDC) for the supply of foldable displays. It is estimated in the same report that limited supplies will begin in 2025, ramping up to mass production in 2026. By 2027, the supply is expected to reach 65 million units, increasing to 100 million units in 2028.

Additionally, the ordered display sizes are larger than those of existing iPhones, indicating that the display components procured by Apple from Samsung will be used in new foldable device products.

Industry sources cited in the report from Economic Daily News believe that Apple’s first foldable device will be unveiled by the end of 2025 or early 2026, targeting the ultra-high-end market segment. It is expected to come in two sizes: 7.9 inches and 8.3 inches, competing against foldable devices from Samsung and Huawei.

According to the analysis released by TrendForce in the second half of last year, Apple’s development in the folding field still requires time. Apple’s foray into foldables has been tepid, to say the least.

TrendForce reports that global shipments of foldable phones reached 15.9 million units in 2023, marking a 25% YoY increase and accounting for approximately 1.4% of the overall smartphone market. In 2024, shipments are expected to rise to about 17.7 million units, growing by 11% and slightly increasing the market share to 1.5%. However, this growth rate remains below market expectations, with the segment’s share predicted to exceed 2% only by 2025.

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• [News] Apple Reportedly Joins the Foldable Phone Market, Setting Stage for Three-Way Competition

(Photo credit: Apple)

Currently, the global foldable phone market is dominated by non-Apple players, with Samsung and Huawei acting as the key players, continuously expanding their related product lines. Although Apple has yet to debut any foldable hardware, rumors cited by a report from Economic Daily News suggest they are actively working to catch up by accelerating product development.

Sources cited by the same report suggest that Apple is highly likely to launch its first foldable hardware product either this year or next year, potentially signaling a shift to a three-way competition in the foldable phone market.

Currently, Samsung and Huawei collectively hold over 80% of the global foldable phone market share, making them highly influential in the market. Industry sources cited by the report believe that with Apple entering the foldable phone market, a reshuffle is inevitable, offering consumers not only more product choices but also potentially lower prices compared to the current landscape.

It is reported that in the past, most foldable phones were priced starting at USD 1,000, with some flagship models even priced at USD 1,500. With Samsung and Huawei potentially introducing more affordable foldable phones this year, it is expected that foldable phones priced below USD 1,000 will become increasingly common in the future.

Industry sources cited by the same report point out that the battleground for mobile phone brands will still be in flagship models, as the specifications and features of flagship phones determine the technological prowess of the brand. Therefore, whether it’s Samsung, Huawei, or even Apple, they will all compete vigorously in this market.

The market for budget-friendly phones is currently not well-defined and is primarily in the early stages of development, focused on testing the waters. It is estimated that it will take another two to three years for this market segment to become more stable.

Same sources cited by the report suggest that with Samsung and Huawei continuously investing in the foldable phone market, Apple is pressured to launch a foldable phone to keep up and not fall behind. However, the biggest challenge lies in how Apple can launch a foldable phone later but still seize the initiative, potentially attracting loyal Apple fans without affecting the sales of existing iPhone models.

According to the analysis released by TrendForce in the second half of last year, Apple’s development in the folding field still requires time. Apple’s foray into foldables has been tepid, to say the least.

Yet, Apple’s unwavering obsession with user experience could be the culprit. Furthermore, persistent challenges with foldable tech—think panel evenness and hinge design—might be holding them back.

But here’s the kicker: Achieving perfection with larger foldable panels is somewhat simpler than their smaller counterparts. Could this mean Apple might leapfrog right into medium-sized foldable products—like laptops or tablets? Only time will tell.

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• [News] Is a Foldable iPhone on the Horizon? Samsung Display’s ‘Apple Team’ Strengthening Spurs Speculation

(Photo credit: Apple)

In a strong push for foldable smartphones, reportedly, Huawei has issued rush orders to its supply chain lately. The shipment target for foldable smartphones this year is set at ten million units, marking a nearly threefold increase from the 2.6 million units shipped last year.

Previous rumors suggested that Huawei was considering lowering its foldable smartphone shipment targets for this year. However, the industry sources from related supply chain emphasizes that not only did Huawei refrain from reducing orders, but it significantly increased them.

According to Economic Daily News cited from supply chain sources, Huawei has set very ambitious goals for foldable smartphone shipments this year, aiming to increase from last year’s 2.6 million units to a range of 7 to 10 million units. This represents a nearly threefold increase, requiring additional support from various components.

Among them, the critical mobile phone component CIS, due to a rebound from the market downturn, has seen prices starting to surge. Main CIS supplier, Samsung, has raised prices by 25% to 30% this quarter.

To avoid the risk of escalating prices, CIS has become Huawei’s top priority for stocking up, primarily supplied by the Chinese CIS supplier, OmniVision. The substantial increase in overall shipment targets for foldable smartphone has driven a several-fold growth in CIS stockpiles.

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• [News] Huawei, Honor, and Transsion Reportedly Estimate Active Smartphone Shipment Goals in 2024, Projecting an Additional 70-80 Million Units
• [News] Huawei Applies Patent for Wafer Processing Technology That Enhances Wafer Alignment Efficiency and Precision

(Photo credit: Huawei)

According to South Korean electronics industry media “The Elec,” insiders have revealed that, in the year-end organizational restructuring, Samsung Display has strengthened its existing team responsible for handling demand from Cupertino, where the corporate headquarters of Apple is located.

Reportedly, the focus was on enhancing its capability to respond to the potential release of foldable devices by Apple. This suggests that an Apple foldable device might make its debut in the coming year.

The report points out that both Samsung Display and its competitor LG Display are developing a 20.25-inch foldable display for Apple’s future products. Samsung Display’s organizational restructuring appears to be a strategic move to compete more effectively against other rivals, particularly LG Display, in an effort to secure orders for Apple’s foldable panels.

Apple is Samsung Display’s most significant customer for OLED panels, and Samsung Display is the exclusive supplier of foldable OLED panels for its parent company, Samsung Electronics. Samsung Display evidently aims to leverage the experience gained in producing foldable displays for Samsung devices to prepare for potential future orders for foldable iPhones and iPads from Apple.

However, according to the analysis released by TrendForce in the second half of this year, Apple’s development in the folding field still requires time. Apple’s foray into foldables has been tepid, to say the least.

Yet, Apple’s unwavering obsession with user experience could be the culprit. Furthermore, persistent challenges with foldable tech—think panel evenness and hinge design—might be holding them back.

But here’s the kicker: Achieving perfection with larger foldable panels is somewhat simpler than their smaller counterparts. Could this mean Apple might leapfrog right into medium-sized foldable products—like laptops or tablets? Only time will tell.

TrendForce’s insights reveal that by 2023, shipments of foldable smartphones could skyrocket to an impressive 18.3 million units, marking a 43% YoY surge. However, this only captures a slim 1.6% of the year’s total smartphone market.

Fast forward to 2024, and we’re looking at another leap—a 38% growth, translating to a hefty 25.2 million units and nudging the market share up to 2.2% Looking at the medium to long term, TrendForce believes the expansion of the foldable smartphone market is inevitable. By 2027, shipments could soar to a whopping 70 million units, seizing around 5% of the global smartphone market.

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• Foldable Smartphone Market Penetration Estimated at 1.6% in 2023, with Potential to Exceed 5% by 2027, Says TrendForce

(Photo credit: Apple)

According to MoneyDJ’s report, Samsung Electronics, the South Korean smartphone giant, unveiled its latest foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5, in August. With a year until the next generation hits the market, speculation is arising that Samsung plans to incorporate foldable features into mid-range models. This move aims to lower the entry barrier, attract a broader customer base, and strengthen Samsung’s leading position in the foldable phone market.

TrendForce recently reported that Android smartphone brands are actively entering the foldable phone market, aiming to break through the plateau in smartphone market growth with the unique design of foldable phones. However, the widespread adoption of foldable phones faces a significant obstacle in their high pricing.

According to supply chain sources, Samsung is set to launch a mid-range foldable phone in 2024, targeting a relatively budget-friendly price range of $400 to $500 USD.

In August, Samsung launched its latest generation of foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5, maintaining a premium pricing strategy. The suggested retail prices are $1,799 USD for the Galaxy Z Fold5 and $999 USD for the Galaxy Z Flip5.

The market is eagerly anticipating Samsung’s introduction of a mid-range foldable phone. However, as of now, this remains in the speculative phase, and there’s no information available regarding its design, specifications, or other details.

Previous market rumors suggested that Samsung’s Z series of foldable phones might follow the flagship S series by introducing a “Lite Flagship” FE version. This version is expected to feature hardware downgrades to offer a more budget-friendly price, aiming to attract consumers.

According to a TrendForce’s forecast, as foldable phones gain increased acceptance in the consumer market, the global shipment volume of foldable smartphones is estimated to reach 18.3 million units in 2023. This represents a substantial 43% growth compared to 2022, although it accounts for only 1.6% of the total smartphone market sales. Looking ahead to 2024, the shipment volume is expected to grow by another 38%, reaching 25.2 million units, and the market share is projected to increase to 2.2%.

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• [News] Can Foldable Phones Become Lifeline for the Declining Global Smartphone Market?
• After the iPhone 15 Series Debut, Will a Foldable Phone Be Apple’s Next Step?

(Photo credit: Samsung)