Foldable Phones: As Samsung Leads the Way, Apple Bides Its Time

While Samsung leads the way in foldable smartphone innovation, Apple remains noticeably absent from this fast-growing market segment. As competitors push boundaries with flexible displays, many are wondering when—or if—Apple will make its move.

A Market Still Waiting for Apple

In the feverish world of mobile technology, one question lingers: will Apple finally embrace the foldable smartphone? As Samsung prepares to present its much-anticipated Galaxy Z Fold 7, the conversation around this format is once again heating up. Yet, while competitors rush to stake their claim in this segment, Apple remains conspicuously absent. For an industry accustomed to watching the Cupertino giant set trends, this silence feels increasingly significant.

The Real Numbers Behind Foldables

Let’s take a closer look at the actual state of the market. Despite all the buzz, large-screen foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Fold or Pixel Fold account for only about 2% of total Android smartphone sales in the US, according to recent research. What’s more telling: almost all these devices are sold by Samsung, with Google‘s attempts barely registering. Compact models such as the Motorola Razr and Galaxy Flip aren’t even included in these figures; it’s really just the big displays that dominate discussions. So, while visually impressive, these products remain a niche curiosity.

Cautious Steps: Learning from History

This isn’t unfamiliar territory for Apple. Back in 2014, some critics questioned the company’s late arrival to large-screen smartphones when it launched the iPhone 6 Plus — years after Samsung had already pushed its Note lineup. The result? Today, models like the iPhone Plus and Pro Max represent over a third of all iPhone sales in America. Clearly, sometimes waiting out early missteps pays off handsomely.

The Thinking Behind Apple’s Delay

Several factors appear to guide Cupertino’s reserved approach:

• Apple prioritizes refined innovation over speed-to-market.
• The slow uptake of foldables supports this patience.
• A meaningful alternative is crucial to lure Android users.

It’s true that some consumers are leaving iOS behind for these new designs, drawn by novelty or practicality. Even so, as one industry observer put it: « la première place revient forcément au pionnier ». If and when Apple enters this arena, history suggests it could quickly turn a quirky niche into an everyday essential. Until then, Cupertino seems content to watch — and wait — as others pave (and stumble down) the way forward.