Samsung was once a force to reckon with in the foldable smartphone space. However, its market share has dropped over the past year. While it is still the number one foldable phone brand, Huawei is expected to defeat it in the second quarter of this year.
The South Korean firm will get some respite, as Apple has reportedly delayed the launch of its first foldable iPhone.
First foldable iPhone could launch in 2027 instead of 2026
A report from AlphaBiz (via @Tech_Reve) claims that Apple has delayed the launch of its first foldable iPhone from the fourth quarter of 2026 to the first quarter of 2027. The report quotes an unnamed person who is familiar with Apple's internal matters. However, the production and supply of components for that foldable iPhone seem to be going as per the initial schedule.
Apparently, the foldable iPhone will have minimal screen crease, thanks to Apple's new screen technology that etches a part of the screen's layer. This makes the screen easier to bend and minimizes light reflections and crease visibility. The inner surface of the screen cover is filled with polymer material, and the rough texture of the filler material reduces reflections.
If this information is correct, the first foldable iPhone will likely compete with the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Samsung is expected to launch a lower-cost Galaxy Z Flip 6 version, priced around $800. A report also claimed that the South Korean firm could launch a higher-end version of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 with a built-in S Pen slot and better cameras.
