Huawei is unveiling its second-generation tri-fold smartphone, the Mate XTs, with a new color option and potential stylus support, ahead of Samsung's upcoming foldable device, signaling a competitive push in the foldable phone market.
The global smartphone market is expected to see a modest 1% growth in 2025, driven by unexpectedly strong iOS growth and demand for device upgrades, despite global economic challenges. The market will also see increased adoption of AI features, with AI-powered phones projected to dominate over 70% of the market by 2029, while foldable devices remain a niche but growing segment.
Samsung is expanding its One UI 8 Beta to more devices starting August 11, including Galaxy S24 series, Z Fold6, and Z Flip6, with further rollouts planned for September to older models and additional Galaxy devices, along with upcoming updates for Galaxy Watch models later this year.
Samsung plans to launch a new Galaxy Z trifold smartphone by the end of 2025, focusing on perfecting its usability, with the final name yet to be decided, following teasers and industry rumors.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 has been spotted in a retail package, revealing a thin design and an attractive blue color, with official launch expected soon alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 7, promising to be Samsung's most refined foldables yet.
Samsung is preparing to launch a highly innovative tri-fold smartphone, the Galaxy G Fold, featuring a large 10-inch screen and top-tier specs like the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. However, its release will be limited to South Korea and China, with a high price exceeding $3,000 and limited availability expected between October and December, raising questions about its practicality and market strategy.
Apple's development of the foldable iPad has been put on hold due to manufacturing issues and low customer interest, despite the company's plans to launch a foldable iPhone in 2026. Meanwhile, the upcoming Apple TV 4K release is seen as timely and potentially popular, contributing to a positive investor outlook with Apple stock gaining over 2%. Wall Street maintains a moderate buy rating on AAPL with a slight upside potential.
A leaked product roadmap reveals Apple's plans for the next four years, including a foldable iPhone, foldable iPad, AR glasses, and other significant upgrades. The timeline suggests new products such as OLED iPad Pro, iPhone 16 with 5x zoom lens, iPhone SE 4, and iPhone 17 with three 48MP camera sensors. Exciting developments are expected in 2026, including a foldable iPhone, a cheaper Apple Vision Pro, a new OLED MacBook, and more. While some details align with existing rumors, there are discrepancies, such as the suggestion that the first foldable device from Apple will be an iPhone.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that Apple is working on a 20.3-inch foldable screen MacBook set to launch in 2027, but there are no plans for mass-producing foldable iPhones or iPads in 2025 or 2026. This aligns with previous reports of Apple's interest in a 20.25-inch foldable panel from Samsung and LG for a laptop-type device, indicating a potential shift in Samsung Display's focus towards mass production of foldable panels to accommodate Apple's future plans.
Google is working on the Pixel Fold 2, the next iteration of its foldable device, with leaked images revealing changes to the outside display and camera bar. The new design is expected to feature a narrower aspect ratio for the outside display, aiming to provide a more natural Android experience. Google's commitment to supporting foldable hardware within the Android software stack and through Pixel hardware remains evident.
CES 2024 showcases a plethora of innovative tech, including AR/VR glasses, foldable TVs, flying EV taxis, and futuristic concepts like a 2-minute ice cream maker and a robot vacuum with AI-powered stain recognition. Notable highlights include a foldable phone that bends in both directions, a portable OLED display that folds, and a transparent OLED screen that transforms from a "fish tank" to a 77-inch television. Additionally, the event features futuristic concepts such as a wristwatch remote and a toothbrush with AI voice guidance.
Apple is not expected to release several anticipated products in 2024, including the iPhone SE 4, AirTag 2, a microLED Apple Watch Ultra, an iMac Pro, and any foldable iPhones or iPads. These products are now rumored to launch in 2025 or later, with the iPhone SE 4 featuring an iPhone 14 design and Apple's custom 5G modem, and the AirTag 2 integrating into a new spatial computing ecosystem. The microLED Apple Watch Ultra and the iMac Pro with a mini-LED display are also in the works for future release. Meanwhile, foldable device technology from Apple remains in development with no confirmed release date.
Apple is reportedly focusing on equipping its products with OLED displays, including iPads and MacBooks, before launching a foldable iPad. While rumors of a foldable Apple device have been circulating, the company seems more interested in incorporating OLED technology into its existing lineup. There is no concrete timeline for the release of foldable iPads, but Apple is said to be evaluating the possibility. OLED displays offer advantages such as high contrast ratios, better color accuracy, and excellent viewing angles.
Apple is reportedly prioritizing the introduction of OLED displays to its iPad and MacBook lineups, with the first OLED MacBook model expected to enter production in the second half of 2025. While Apple is said to be evaluating the potential of a foldable iPad, it is not currently a main focus, and the company does not have a solid timeline for releasing such a device. Multiple reports suggest that Apple plans to launch a foldable iPad before a foldable iPhone.
Samsung has launched two new folding smartphones, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Fold 5, along with a tablet and two smartwatches. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 features a larger cover display and a slimmer design, while the Galaxy Fold 5 offers incremental updates such as a brighter main screen and compatibility with the S Pen. Despite foldables remaining a niche market, Samsung faces competition from Chinese phonemakers, and the industry expects foldable phone shipments to double by 2023. Samsung also introduced the Galaxy Tab S9 tablet and two new smartwatches, the Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic.