Apple's Solitary Strategy for a Foldable iPhone Outshining Samsung's Version
Apple is set to enter the foldable phone market with a software-focused approach, aiming to compete against Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7. The tech giant's first foldable iPhone, anticipated for a late 2026 launch, will boast exclusive features tailored for the foldable form factor, thanks to the development of iOS 27.
## Key Software Differentiators
Apple's foldable device will benefit from deep iOS integration, custom UI innovations, and a consistent user experience. The new operating system will prioritise features designed specifically for the folding display, ensuring seamless transitions between the larger inner screen and smaller outer display. This focus on optimised multitasking, adaptive app layouts, and fluid animations between folded and unfolded states is expected to set Apple's foldable iPhone apart from competitors.
In terms of authentication and security, the device will replace Face ID with Touch ID built into the power button. This change, which frees up screen real estate and simplifies authentication, is a notable departure from both Face ID on current iPhones and the in-screen fingerprint sensors on the Galaxy Z Fold series. Apple's approach to biometric authentication is also expected to maintain its high-security standards.
The software will also work in tandem with the device's hinge mechanism, improving durability and reducing the visibility of the crease. Apple is reportedly aiming to minimise the crease in folding devices, a goal that could be achieved through software adjustments, such as automatically pausing media during folding.
Apple is also expected to encourage developers to optimise apps for the foldable form factor, ensuring a robust app ecosystem that quickly adapts to the new device. The company may introduce features such as split-screen productivity, enhanced drag-and-drop, or unique multitasking gestures exclusive to the foldable iPhone.
## Comparison with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
While Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 remains the benchmark with mature foldable software, Apple's focus on a consistent, premium, and iOS-native foldable experience could provide a compelling alternative—particularly for users invested in Apple's ecosystem. The combination of Apple's hardware-software integration, commitment to security, and ecosystem leverage is expected to be the key differentiator from Samsung’s primarily hardware-focused foldable innovations.
| Feature | Apple Foldable iPhone | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 | |-------------------------------|--------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | **OS** | iOS 27 (foldable-specific features) | Android (One UI tailored for foldables) | | **Authentication** | Touch ID (side button) | In-display fingerprint sensor / Face unlock | | **Notch/Dynamic Island** | None (full-screen experience) | Hole-punch/U-notch in some models | | **Multitasking** | Optimised, familiar iOS multitasking | Desktop-like, drag-and-drop, multi-window | | **App Ecosystem** | Accelerated developer adoption | Mature, but variable app optimization | | **UI Transition** | Seamless, adaptive layouts | Advanced, but sometimes inconsistent | | **Durability Integration** | Software/hardware co-design | Good, but less emphasis on software integration |
As Apple's first foray into the foldable phone market, the foldable iPhone will need to prove its worth against the established Galaxy Z Fold 7. With a focus on software and exclusive features, Apple is aiming to carve out a niche in the market and provide a compelling alternative for users who prefer the iOS ecosystem.
- The foldable iPhone, slated for a late 2026 launch, promises to challenge Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 in the market, with its exclusive iOS 27 software featuring optimizations for the foldable form factor.
- One of the key differentiators of Apple's foldable device is its Touch ID authentication, a departure from Face ID and in-screen fingerprint sensors, aiming to offer a seamless, premium, and iOS-native user experience.
- To create a robust app ecosystem for the foldable iPhone, Apple plans to encourage developers to optimize their apps for the unique form factor, introducing optional features like split-screen productivity and enhanced drag-and-drop functionality.
