Apple is going to release a foldable phone

Apple is set to launch ultra-thin and foldable iPhones!

On December 15th local time, Bloomberg reported, citing informed sources, that Apple is preparing for significant changes and upgrades to its iPhone product line in an effort to revive sluggish sales—iPhone business revenue is expected to grow by less than 1% in fiscal year 2024.

According to reports, Apple plans to launch a thinner iPhone next year than the current model (approximately 8mm thick), which will be cheaper than the Pro series and will feature a simplified camera system to reduce costs.

Apple will also develop two foldable devices, one larger model that can be used as a laptop, with a screen size of about 19 inches when unfolded, close to some desktop monitors; the other smaller model will have a screen size larger than the iPhone 16 Pro Max when unfolded and can be used as a foldable iPhone.

These two foldable designs have been in development for several years, but some key components are not yet ready. The main challenges include improving the hinge structure and the display protection layer. Jeff Pu, an analyst at Haitong International Securities in Hong Kong, stated that current foldable phones on the market do not meet Apple's standards in terms of thickness, weight, and energy efficiency, which is also why Apple is entering this field more slowly.

Cliff Maldonado, chief analyst at BayStreet Research, believes that the iPhone 16 will be the last "boring-looking" phone.

However, some analysts point out that, referencing Apple's competitors like Samsung and Huawei, foldable phones have always been a difficult product to sell, and Apple may face this issue as well. According to TrendForce, foldable devices are expected to account for only about 1.5% of the total smartphone market this year