As Apple’s iPhone 17 launch approaches this September, tech enthusiasts are buzzing with anticipation. Among numerous expected upgrades, including stellar camera enhancements and AI improvements tied to iOS 26, one notable absence is the much-rumored foldable iPhone Flip. This omission raises questions as several major Android manufacturers, like Samsung and Google, have already carved out their presence in the foldable market.
With nearly every major player in the Android landscape introducing foldable devices, Apple appears to risk losing potential customers looking for innovative technology. The fear is that rivals, such as Samsung, could establish themselves as the preferred choice for foldable phones, creating a barrier for Apple’s future entry. Furthermore, the early adopters enamored with foldable tech may become entrenched within the Android ecosystem, making it challenging for an eventual Apple foldable to entice users away from their current devices.
Yet, Apple isn’t likely losing sleep over this. Estimates suggest about 20 million foldable smartphones were sold globally in 2023, while Apple moved a staggering 26.5 million units of the iPhone 14 Pro Max in just the first half of the year. The flat sales of foldables in 2024, paired with struggling predictions for 2025, indicate that Apple may perceive the timing as still in its favor.
Observing Before Innovating
Apple has a history of waiting to make its mark on emerging technologies. Historically, the company didn’t pioneer phones, tablets, or smartwatches but excelled at refining them into indispensable daily tools. The iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac stand testament to Apple’s knack for transforming existing concepts into mainstream successes.
From my perspective, I find myself yearning for Apple’s interpretation of the foldable phone. Having covered mobile technology for over 14 years, I’ve seen phones evolve into rather monotonous rectangular slabs. Foldable devices ignited excitement, but with time, that enthusiasm has faded, leaving me wanting more innovation than the current offerings provide.
While I had high hopes for Google’s Pixel Fold to revolutionize the foldable experience, subsequent iterations have felt more like incremental updates rather than a radical evolution. Similarly, the OnePlus Open presents standard improvements but lacks that transformative edge. Thus, my attention turns to Apple—a brand known for launching products that inspire true excitement.
Potential for Real Innovation
Real innovation for a foldable iPhone wouldn’t simply stem from its design. Apple’s collaborative approach with third-party developers could help create a device that offers functionalities tailored specifically for the folding format. Right now, many foldable devices run standard versions of Android, often with only minor UI tweaks. They feel more like traditional smartphones that can bend rather than an entirely new breed of mobile device.
With underwhelming developer support for foldables in the Android ecosystem, deriving meaningful experiences from devices has proven challenging. Developers are hesitant to invest resources for a platform with limited user engagement. However, Apple, with its established relationships and a vast developer base, is poised to transform the foldable landscape should it choose to enter.
My hope is that if Apple ventures into the foldable realm, it does so in a way that elevates the user experience beyond what exists today. I long for a future where tech launches invigorate my enthusiasm, prompting that exhilarating “wow” moment when interacting with a groundbreaking device.