Apple Bides Its Time, Awaiting the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s Success Before Launching Its Foldable iPhone

Published: Sep 18, 2025, 9:04 AM

I almost feel sorry for Apple—if feeling sympathy for a company worth over $3.5 trillion is even possible.

Currently, Cupertino is facing criticism for the "ugly" design of the iPhone 17 Pro, particularly due to its large camera bump. Additionally, Apple has been under fire from fans and critics alike for lagging behind in the AI race. The recent iOS 26 update brought only minor improvements to Siri, which hasn’t fooled anyone.

To make matters worse, there’s still no foldable iPhone on the market, and we’re approaching the end of 2025. In contrast, Apple’s competitors have been releasing foldable devices—both flip and book styles—for years.

However, I believe Apple is gearing up to release its foldable iPhone soon, having strategically waited for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 to succeed first. If you think Apple is incapable of creating a foldable device, I’d like to sell you a bridge. With its vast resources and talent, the company can develop virtually anything it desires.

Instead, it appears Apple has chosen to hold back until foldables gained enough popularity. Why launch a product that consumers aren’t ready for? This approach may mean missing out on being a pioneer, but it also minimizes financial risks associated with a poorly-selling product. Ultimately, Apple is focused on profit.

A similar strategy is evident in Apple’s approach to AI, though here the consequences are more substantial. The delay in Siri’s AI overhaul has been a misstep, and there’s little enthusiasm for Apple Intelligence, their suite of AI features.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 has only been available for about two months, having debuted on July 9. The summer months aren’t typically strong for sales, but with Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas approaching, there are still plenty of opportunities for increased sales.

Fortunately for Samsung, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is performing exceptionally well. It has become the company’s best-selling foldable, achieving record sales in Western Europe, with over 250,000 units sold in just four weeks. This makes it the fastest-selling Galaxy Fold model and the top foldable in the region.

For Samsung, it’s not just about unit sales; it’s about changing perceptions. Foldables have often been viewed as niche devices, but the strong sales of the Fold 7 indicate that mainstream consumers are finally embracing the format. Sales are more than double those of the Fold 6 and about 70% higher than the previous record-holder, the Fold 4. Analysts believe the Fold 7’s upgrades are pushing foldables into the mainstream, leaving competitors like Google and Honor behind.

While the Z Fold 7 doesn’t boast massive battery capacity, it’s sleek and sturdy, justifying its starting price of $2,000.

Now, what about the foldable iPhone? Reports suggest it will feature a "nearly crease-free" 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.5-inch external screen, with wider dimensions than competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7. Apple is also experimenting with advanced hinge materials, including titanium.

In terms of performance, the device is expected to run on Apple’s upcoming A20 chipset, built on a 2nm process for faster speeds and improved energy efficiency. The battery life could see a significant boost, with a capacity between 5,000 and 5,500 mAh, enhanced by Apple’s optimized power management. Additionally, it might feature an under-display selfie camera on the inner screen and a traditional front-facing camera on the outer display.

The foldable iPhone could be slightly thicker than the Z Fold 7, measuring 4.5–4.8mm when unfolded, but if it includes a larger battery, consumers might prefer that over extreme thinness.

Another key advantage for Apple is its ecosystem. A foldable iPhone wouldn’t just be about hardware; it would integrate seamlessly with iPad-like multitasking, Apple Pencil support, and deep iOS app integration.

Given Apple’s loyal fanbase, I can imagine lines forming for its release.

So, kudos to Samsung! The Galaxy Z Fold 7 might go down in history as the catalyst for the first foldable iPhone. Now, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will need some luck to succeed in the U.S. market if Apple’s offering lives up to the rumors.