The foldable smartphone sector is on the brink of a major transformation with Huawei Technologies and Apple preparing to make significant moves. Huawei is nearing the launch of a revolutionary tri-folding handset, while Apple is reportedly gearing up to introduce its first foldable iPhone.
Huawei’s Tri-Folding Innovation
Huawei is on track to unveil the world’s first tri-folding smartphone featuring dual hinges. According to Chinese state-backed media outlet Securities Daily, the prototype is complete, and mass production is slated to begin in late 2024. This advanced device is expected to incorporate cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies, enhancing its appeal. Huawei, which dominated the foldable market in the first quarter of this year with a 35 percent market share, has previously excelled in this segment, surpassing competitors like Samsung. However, international sales are limited by restrictions on accessing U.S. technology.
Apple’s Entry into the Foldable Market
Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market with a clamshell-style device, potentially launching as early as 2026. Sources indicate that Apple has been working with Asian suppliers to develop components for this new device, signaling its intent to capture a share of the rapidly growing foldable phone market. This move will mark Apple’s entry into a field currently led by competitors like Samsung Electronics, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Huawei.
Market Dynamics and Competition
The global foldable smartphone market is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in China, where shipments more than doubled from 3.2 million units in 2022 to 7.01 million in 2023. This surge has intensified competition among major players. Xiaomi recently introduced its Mix Flip clamshell model and the Mix Fold 4 book-style foldable, while Samsung showcased its new Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 models, featuring AI-driven functions developed in collaboration with ByteDance’s Duobao language model.
As the foldable smartphone market evolves, the anticipated entries by both Apple and Huawei are set to be pivotal in shaping its future.
