Apple Set to Launch First Foldable iPhone, Intensifying Market Rivalry
SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) – Apple is poised to introduce its inaugural foldable iPhone next month, heightening the competitive landscape with Samsung Electronics in the burgeoning foldable phone sector.
On Wednesday, Apple unveiled plans for a gathering on September 9 at its Cupertino, California headquarters, an event that will also be broadcast online.
While the tech giant has not specified the product lineup, analysts predict that the unveiling will feature the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, alongside the much-anticipated foldable iPhone, reportedly named the iPhone Ultra. This event aligns with Apple’s customary practice of launching new flagship iPhones each September.
The forthcoming foldable iPhone, marking the debut under the stewardship of new CEO John Ternus—who succeeded Tim Cook—is anticipated to showcase an interior display akin to the dimensions of an iPad mini when unfurled, complemented by an external screen resembling a traditional smartphone.
Pricing is expected to play a pivotal role in securing market dominance. Various technology sources suggest an introductory price range for the foldable iPhone of approximately $2,000 to $2,500, with higher-capacity variations potentially demanding even loftier sums.
Competing directly with Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra—released earlier in the month—Apple’s foldable iPhone will have to contend with these models, which thus far feature 256-gigabyte variants priced at 2.28 million won ($1,650) and 2.58 million won, respectively.
Notably, even the entry-level estimates for Apple’s device would position it around 200,000 won more expensive than its Samsung counterparts.
As Apple launches the iPhone Ultra amidst a broader decline in the saturated smartphone market, its success in the foldable category remains uncertain. The prospect of offsetting dwindling sales while sustaining profitability looms large.
- Introduction of Foldable iPhone: Expected reveal of the iPhone Ultra on September 9, signaling Apple’s entry into the expanding foldable phone market.
- Competition with Samsung: The foldable iPhone is set to rival Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 series, anticipated to be priced above its competitors.
- High Price, Uncertain Outcomes: Projected prices for the foldable iPhone range from $2,000 to $2,500, potentially complicating Apple’s efforts to rejuvenate sales and ensure profitability.
Source link: M.ajupress.com.
