Cupertino, California – The recent release of Vision Pro shed light on Apple’s typically secretive development process, according to a recent interview with Tim Cook in Vanity Fair. The article outlined the challenges faced by Apple in getting its first headset off the ground, with Cook revealing that the early version of the device was referred to as “the monster.”
In addition to the Vision Pro, rumors have been circulating about the development of foldable versions of the iPhone. Reports suggest that issues around durability and the crease have led Apple to put the foldable iPhone on hold, shifting focus to a folding iPad. However, a new report indicates that Apple may be reconsidering its position on the foldable iPhone after facing delays.
The article also mentioned that Apple has been working on various innovative projects, storing them in restricted rooms within its facilities. Despite this, Apple has been known to abandon ambitious projects that fail to meet its high standards, without announcing them publicly.
Efforts to explore foldable technology at Apple have been in the works since 2018, predating the launch of Samsung’s Galaxy Fold. The foldable smartphone market has since matured, with other players like Huawei, Oppo/OnePlus, Motorola (Lenovo), and Google joining the game. While foldable devices have addressed durability issues, the question remains as to what level of performance will be considered “good enough” for Apple.
The market for foldable smartphones is growing, with IDC projecting over 21 million shipments in 2023, and an expected increase to 48.1 million by 2027. Despite the growth, questions remain about whether Apple can make a significant impact in the foldables space, with indications that the company may be leaning towards a clamshell model.
Competition among different companies in the foldable smartphone market has led to various concepts of ideal form factors, each with different appeal. Apple’s potential entry into the foldables space is expected to disrupt the market, impacting Samsung’s dominance, and potentially offering consumers a new option in the foldable smartphone segment.