Apple calienta motores para el lanzamiento de su primer iPhone plegable

Apple plans to unveil its first foldable iPhone at a September 9 event, signaling a significant move into a market dominated by Huawei and Samsung. The anticipated device, dubbed the iPhone Ultra, is expected to feature a 7.8-inch internal screen and a premium price point of around $2,500, placing it in the top tier of the market.

According to Nabila Popal, IDC's director of research, the device has strong potential for adoption among an exclusive group of high-spending consumers willing to wait in line for it. The entry of Apple into the foldable market could mark a turning point for a category that currently accounts for only 1.6% of the global smartphone market, according to TrendForce data.

IDC predicts that the first foldable iPhone will sell over 10 million units in its first year and could capture up to 40% of the market share by 2027, generating more than $45.7 billion in revenue. Popal believes Apple's entry will drastically shift the outlook for this niche market, potentially reversing a downward trend in foldable sales.

However, IDC anticipates a 12.6% year-over-year growth for the category this year, reaching 22.9 million units by 2027, with a more accelerated pace of 18% in 2027. The iPhone plegable is expected to compete in a market where book-style devices already hold a 69% global share, while clamshell devices are losing consumer appeal, as reported by Omdia.

Huawei and Samsung currently dominate this segment with a combined 75% market share. Omdia forecasts that the growth of the market will come from larger-screen foldables designed to offer a tablet-like experience when unfolded, positioning Apple to compete with devices like Huawei's Pura X Max and Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8. In addition to the foldable iPhone, Apple is also expected to announce upgrades to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, including enhanced processors, battery life, and cameras, as well as a new generation Apple Watch and software features related to AI capabilities.