In recent years, several designs of foldable phones have attempted to capture a significant portion of the market for mobile phones in this category. The market share of foldable phones is still in the single digits.
Apple’s dominance in the smartphone market, particularly in the high-end segment, where the tech giant is yet to venture into the foldable phone space, partially explains the difficulties foldable phones have in gaining consumer acceptance.
Early foldable gadgets cost a lot and were mostly a novelty.
The industry has reached a tipping point, with the recent launch of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 & Z Fold5 in Seoul, Korea at the Galaxy Unpacked event last week, as well as the availability of other reliable products, such the Google Pixel Fold.
New Hinge Design
There are many online resources that provide detailed information about the Samsung Galaxy smartphone’s specifications. It is therefore unnecessary for me to focus on feeds and speeds. In the coming weeks, there will be many reviews.
What sets these new foldables apart are the updated design of the hinge — a critical weakness in legacy models — and the screen. These improvements transform the devices into sleek flat smart gadgets that no longer look like bulky smartphones.
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip5 transforms from a large smartphone to a compact, pocketable gadget with an updated hinge and sleek screen. (Image Credit: Samsung)
These iterations will increase the appeal of premium devices, particularly to businesspeople.
Improved User Experience
Foldable devices are a great way to enhance your overall experience. These gadgets are a great choice for anyone who wants to multitask.
The Galaxy Z Fold5 features a large, immersive screen with an improved taskbar. This allows users to quickly switch between apps they use frequently. (Image Credit: Samsung)
The new Qualcomm processors have made it easier to use the features of these devices, thanks in part to improved user interfaces.
Onboard assistance is made easier by the seamless integration with cutting-edge technologies.
Market Challenges
These gadgets are often priced above $1,700, which is why they have a difficult time gaining market share. The trend to buy phones above $1,000 even if they alienate cost-conscious consumers, shows a change in consumer behavior.
This generation’s devices are more appealing than ever to a wider variety of users. Affordability has also improved significantly, making these devices more accessible to a wider consumer market.
Can Samsung shift the market by itself?
In my opinion, foldables are not going to challenge the dominance of high-end smartphones that are flat and typical. I don’t think they are the right choice for every user.
The market may have reached a stage where about a quarter is very interested in this gadget, particularly those who want to take advantage of the “fold and flex design”.
Given the preference for premium phone devices and carriers’ ability to make the purchase less painful via customer subsidy programs, it might take at least a couple of years and perhaps another generation or two of foldables to reach higher market share penetration.
But I still think that we will see a big uptake in the use of foldables. Samsung should be able to maintain its leadership in the foldable market given that it currently holds a dominating position on Android-based smartphones.
Apple Is The Wild Card In The Foldables Sweepstakes
Innovation is key in the world of fast-paced smartphone technology.
The foldable smartphone is one of the most recent innovations. It holds great potential, but it has not yet reached mainstream acceptance.
Apple, Samsung’s biggest competitor and a pioneer of the foldable device, must announce a foldable phone to help legitimize the unique form factor to the mainstream audience.
Apple may have been late to the foldables game, but its usage models will define the future of the industry.
Apple has historically influenced consumer behavior and shaped the entire industry. Apple’s entry into the foldables industry will have a noticeable impact on market legitimacy and be a game changer.
Apple’s ability, to reach millions and millions of loyal customers as well as generate unprecedented media attention will undoubtedly help bring foldable phones into the mainstream.
Apple’s embrace of the foldable form will encourage consumers to explore the benefits and functionality of foldable devices. This “gimmick-like” impression will likely fade.
Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market will also boost consumer confidence by reducing the perception that hinge designs are easily damaged or broken. Apple’s reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality products with exceptional user experiences will inspire confidence in potential buyers.
Due to the fact that foldable smartphones are still a relatively young concept, there have been concerns raised about their durability and longevity. Apple’s seal-of-approval and its rigorous quality control will ensure consumers that foldable smartphone are reliable and ready to be used every day, and encourage them to make the leap into this cutting edge technology.
Apple’s Ecosystem Benefit
Apple entering the foldables market would be a huge advantage. Apple’s foldable smartphone would create a more robust ecosystem, which extends beyond smartphones and includes MacBooks, iPads, and other Apple products.
This holistic approach could provide developers with new opportunities to optimize their apps for foldable screens and enhance the overall user experience.
In turn, the consumers will find value in this form factor. They are more likely to adopt it.
Folding the Future – A New Chapter in Smartphone Innovation
Samsung and Apple have been in a fierce battle for years, forcing each other to innovate.
Apple’s announcement about a foldable iPhone would spur Samsung to improve its technology. Consumers will be able to enjoy more advanced devices with many features.
Apple entering the foldable phone market would increase demand. It would attract more manufacturers, developers and result in a larger range of devices and applications.
Costs are likely to decrease over time, making foldable phones more affordable.
Samsung’s yeoman work in creating compelling use models that exploit the dynamic multi-screen of its new folding designs is to be commended. Flex Window is a feature that allows users to prop up the Galaxy Z Flip5 in a variety of ways. It offers innovation and convenience.
Apple Effect on Samsung Foldables
Apple’s foldable design, with its presumably similar capabilities, will likely not get the credit that the company deserves. Samsung must be frustrated by this dynamic, as Apple has the ability to capture people’s imagination, even when Apple comes late to the market.
Apple is the only company that can legitimize a foldable phone for the mainstream audience. Apple has a huge influence on market trends and consumer confidence. It also plays a key role in ecosystem integration, competition, market growth, and maturation.
Apple’s entry in this segment will benefit the entire industry. While Samsung is at the forefront of the foldable device market, Apple has been the leader for many years. The two tech giants’ symbiotic partnership could revolutionize smartphone technology and push the adoption of foldable phones to new heights.
Samsung may wish Apple would announce a folding design when it updates its smartphone lineup this September.
