Why Apple Needs to Launch Its Foldable iPhone Now

Foldable iPhone Concept Image Credit: iDrop News

Foldable iPhone Concept Copyright iDrop News 2017. Attribution required. Do not modify.

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Apple’s flagship smartphone continues to dominate the market, and with new models coming our way this fall it seems that the company will continue to reign supreme over the industry. But while the company enjoys their record breaking success, one can’t help but wonder what’s next?

To be honest, there should only be one answer and that should be a foldable iPhone.

But why should Apple launch its foldable iPhone now?

At this point Apple needs to take a leap of faith and go after the next big thing. For a few years now we have heard rumors of plans to develop foldable phones, but as the years pass by, we have yet to see anything materialize, at least not from Apple.

Foldable phones are coming but it will be Samsung instead of Apple taking the lead. According to The Wall Street Journal, Samsung is expected to release their Samsung Galaxy X in early 2019, a foldable phone that the company has been developing since 2011.

Galaxy X Samsung
Image via Tech Configurations

There is no doubt that Apple has a successful formula in their hands right now. They continue making money even after pundits predict the so-called “iPhone fatigue.” But beyond that, Apple needs to start shaking things up. With the competition heading in to uncharted waters, the time is right for the company to reclaim their position as innovators.

We know the company is working towards releasing its own foldable phone. According to a recently published patent, Apple’s device would fold like a piece of paper and features a foldable battery. While the design looks promising, there are some serious kinks to work out, mostly involving battery life and heat management. Even with those hurdles, Apple seems to be headed in the right direction but this work in progress is not happening quick enough.

While an eventual release for a foldable iPhone is predicted for 2020, Samsung is expected to release their own foldable device in 2019, a full year before Apple. In an era in which new tech is usually always better, a full year head start could hinder the impact Apple’s foldable phone could have in a competitive market from a promotional and monetary perspective.

There seems to be no real reason as to why Apple doesn’t speed up the process other than they’re playing it safe. Part of me also thinks that Apple sees the foldable phone as nothing more than a gimmick, hence why they won’t commit in full to the development of the device.

Regardless of the reasons, there is real interest behind the foldable phone. Who doesn’t want a folding tablet like the one featured on West World or the funky and exaggerated Gryzzl phones from Parks and Recreation. Now, obviously the real thing would differ from what we see on television but will be pretty darn close, just don’t expect to ride your phone like a skateboard.

While it is safe to say that Apple has taken software and artificial intelligence to the next level, it is time for Apple to do the same with their hardware. It is hard to complain when Apple continues to offer quality devices, but it would be very refreshing for the company to break routine.

Going after the foldable phone doesn’t mean that they should stop making their signature iPhone, on the contrary they could offer both. Instead of releasing three somewhat similar models like they will later this year, they could introduce the totally new iPhone alongside the usual upgraded iPhones.

Having an exciting new product could revitalize the company and rid the supposed slump in creativity that some critics say the company is in. Better yet, they could see more people upgrading their phones instead of holding on to the old. It is in everyone’s best interest for the company to continue to push for a breakthrough even if a foldable iPhone is a gamble, the payoff could be huge. We want Apple to reignite it’s innovative fire and the foldable iPhone is the spark to do just that.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]

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