When Apple finally decided to enter the foldable smartphone market, the path it chose was not pioneering, but rather a pursuit.
Apple, the tech giant that has long defined and reshaped the consumer electronics market with its disruptive innovations, is preparing to break its own tradition. According to a recent Bloomberg article, its first foldable iPhone is expected to be launched by the end of 2026, marking Apple's entry into a mature market that has been pioneered and dominated for seven years by its main competitor, Samsung Electronics.
Unlike the groundbreaking launches of the iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, Apple's entry strategy this time does not rely on revolutionary technology or design. Reports indicate that this foldable device will resemble Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series in form, and even its core OLED foldable screen will be supplied by Samsung Display. This is a rare, non-Apple-like product release path.
<h2>Following Rather Than Leading: Apple's Atypical Entry</h2>
Apple has always adhered to the principle of &#34;not the first, but striving for the best,&#34; successfully shaping the forms of multiple modern tech categories with products like the iPod, iPhone, and Apple Watch.
Bloomberg columnist Mark Gurman analyzes that when Apple launches its foldable smartphone in 2026, it will enter a field that has already developed for seven years, with the technological path and market landscape largely established by Samsung.
At that time, Apple will not introduce a revolutionary interactive interface or hardware, but rather provide an experience similar to existing products. This follower posture is quite rare for Apple, which is used to leading trends.
Although the overall design is not original, Apple's goal is to surpass competitors in the details. According to reports from months ago, Apple is focusing on addressing several long-standing weaknesses of foldable devices. The primary task of its engineering team is to make the internal display's crease as inconspicuous as possible and significantly improve the durability and feel of the hinge mechanism. On the software side, the upcoming iOS 27 system will prioritize developing specialized software features tailored for this new device form to ensure that Apple's signature smooth experience continues.
<h2>Brand and Market: Business Calculations Under High Pricing Strategy</h2>
Apple's foldable screen strategy may be closely related to its layout in the Chinese market.
Data shows that local brands like Xiaomi and Huawei have launched multiple foldable smartphones, and the &#34;book-style&#34; design (i.e., horizontally unfolded) is more favored by consumers. Apple's choice of this form is clearly to cater to the preferences of Chinese users. In addition, analysis predicts that the starting price of $2,000 matches the payment capacity of high-end users in China, which may become a key support for its sales rebound in the country.
Despite a lack of hardware innovation, Apple is still expected to leverage its brand advantage to open up the market. Analysts point out that there are millions of iPhone users worldwide who have long been looking forward to foldable products but are unwilling to switch to the Android camp. Apple's entry may activate this segment of &#34;potential demand.&#34;

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This time, Apple is a follower rather than an innovator. Analysis indicates that Apple's first foldable iPhone will adopt a design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and use screens supplied by Samsung, lacking disruptive innovation. Nevertheless, with its brand appeal and the strong demand for foldable screens in the Chinese market, Apple may still quickly capture market share

- Apple is set to enter the foldable smartphone market with its first device expected by the end of 2026, following competitors like Samsung.  
- Unlike its previous groundbreaking products, this foldable iPhone will resemble existing models, utilizing Samsung's OLED technology, marking a shift from Apple's typical innovation strategy.  
- The company's approach appears tailored to the Chinese market, with a high starting price of $2,000 aimed at affluent consumers, potentially activating demand among existing iPhone users.

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The first foldable iPhone will be seen next year! There is no innovation at all, this is the current state of Apple