Apple’s first folding iPhone won’t kill Android foldables — it will save them

Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone is not expected to kill Android foldable devices, but rather help them gain mainstream acceptance. Despite significant advancements in foldable phone technology, they have only accounted for 1.6% of global smartphone shipments, with just 19.6 million units sold last year. Android manufacturers have faced challenges in convincing mainstream consumers to adopt foldables, with most remaining skeptical about the need for such devices.

However, an Apple foldable could change the landscape. Apple has a history of introducing new product categories and making them desirable, as seen with smartwatches, wireless earbuds, and tablets. If Apple were to launch a foldable iPhone, it would provide the missing mainstream validation the category has been lacking. This validation could help overcome the skepticism and push foldables from a niche to an expensive smartphone category.

The software aspect of Android foldables is another major drawback, with developers struggling to optimize apps for larger inner displays and dual aspect ratios. Apple's developer tools, developer tools, and interface guidelines could incentivize developers to create better experiences for foldable devices. Additionally, the foldable iPhone would align well with the iPad's user interface, which has seen improvements in windowing support.

As more apps are built with cross-platform development tools, the benefits of a foldable iPhone could extend to a wider range of apps. Ultimately, Apple's entry into the foldable market could help foldables move from being a novelty item to a mainstream product category.