Apple’s New Boss Takes a Big Gamble on a Costly First Foldable iPhone
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In summary:
John Ternus, Apple’s new CEO, has unveiled the first major change to the iPhone since its launch in 2007: a foldable model called the Duo. With a starting price of $2,000 (£1,475) and reaching up to $3,200, it is both the largest and most expensive iPhone yet.
Key Takeaways:
- Bold Move: Ternus, who took over from Tim Cook, introduced a foldable phone with a unique design inspired by the iPad, promising a "fluid and completely intuitive" user experience.
- Market Potential & Risk: While foldable phones are gaining traction, Apple’s entry carries risks. Ben Wood, an analyst, predicts it could be a premium ornament or, alternatively, a successful new category like the Apple Watch.
- Competitive Landscape: Samsung and Huawei already offer foldable smartphones, accounting for only 2% of global sales currently, but projected to reach 4% within a decade.
- iPhone Dominance: The iPhone remains Apple’s top-selling product, accounting for over half of its annual sales. Recent launches have shown continued strong demand.
Quote:
"The foldable risks becoming a premium-priced ornament… or it could be the company’s next Apple Watch," said Dipanjan Chatterjee, an analyst at Forrester.
More Details:
Apple also unveiled the iPhone 18 and 18 Pro, starting at $1,200 (£885) and $1,300 (£959), respectively.
