iPhone Fold Will Change Everything

Quick summary: The iPhone Fold is reportedly launching on September 9, a little over two weeks after this video. Its form factor is very similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Here’s what leakers say about the launch, the name, and what people who’ve used it think.

Launch and stock

Reputable leakers on Weibo say it will launch globally in September with extremely limited initial stock, and it would reach buyers a week or two after the announcement. Earlier reports said the US gets it first. Since it’s probably hard to make, expect fast sellouts and backorders. The good news is that Apple usually keeps taking orders even when it’s backordered for months, and shipments sometimes arrive sooner than quoted.

The name

Leaker Instant Digital believes the “Ultra” name will go to the 20th-anniversary iPhone and its successors, not the foldable. I also doubt Apple will call it “Fold,” since Motorola, Google and Samsung all use that name.

What people who’ve used it say

• The hinge feels very premium, durable and sturdy.
• The crease is nearly nonexistent.
• An iPad-style layout takes advantage of the larger inner screen for multitasking.
• The big inner screen makes a great camera viewfinder.
• Strong potential for productivity and gaming, backed by a powerful chip. Hopefully it avoids Android’s app-optimization issues.

Apple’s strategy

Apple is positioning it as an ultra-premium halo product to drive interest across its whole lineup and bring people into Apple Stores. For me, the iPod was the Trojan horse that pulled me into Apple, and this could do the same. I think it will be a massive seller and help everyone making foldables.

Price

Expect over $2,000, probably around $2,400 to $2,500, because Apple can get away with it. A price like that comes with very high expectations for hardware and software quality.

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