$Apple (AAPL.US)$ Ultra-thin and foldable iPhones are about to be launched!

On December 15 local time, Bloomberg reported, citing insiders, that Apple is preparing for significant changes and upgrades to its iPhone product line to revive sluggish sales - in fiscal year 2024, iPhone Business revenue growth is less than 1%.

According to reports, Apple plans to launch a new model that is thinner than the current models (approximately 8 mm thick) starting next year, which will be cheaper than the Pro series and will use a simplified camera system to reduce costs.

Apple will also develop two foldable devices, one larger model that can be used as a laptop with a screen size of about 19 inches when unfolded, close to some desktop monitors; the other smaller model will have a larger screen than the iPhone 16 Pro Max when unfolded and can be used as a foldable iPhone.

These two foldable designs have been in development for several years, but some key components are not yet ready. The main challenges include improving the hinge structure and screen protection layer. Jeff Pu, an Analyst at HAITONG INT'L Securities in Hong Kong, stated that current foldable phones on the market do not meet Apple's standards in thickness, weight, and energy efficiency, which is also why Apple is slow to enter this field.

Cliff Maldonado, Chief Analyst at BayStreet Research, believes that the iPhone 16 will be the last 'visually boring' phone.

However, some Analysts pointed out that, referring to Apple’s competitors such as Samsung and Huawei, foldable phones have always been a difficult product to sell, and Apple may also face this issue. According to TrendForce's prediction, this year foldable devices are expected to account for only about 1.5% of the total smartphone market.

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