Ultra-thin “iPhone Air” expected in late 2025, foldable iPhone still years away

Apple has remained notably absent from the foldable smartphone market, even as competitors such as Samsung and Huawei have spent years refining the form factor. While the Cupertino giant’s first foldable products may be approaching, they are still a few years out, and thus their potential impact on Apple’s slightly down business forecast remains uncertain.

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s foldable iPhone is still in the planning stages despite reports indicating the project has been in development for almost a decade. However, a new super-thin iPhone “Air” model is reportedly set to debut in the second half of this year.

The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be incredibly thin, with the “thinnest part” potentially measuring just 5.5mm. This extreme thinness could result in a tapered design or rounded edges, but it will also require compromises. Notably, the device may lack a physical SIM card tray, relying exclusively on eSIM. While this isn’t an issue in markets like the U.S., it could hinder sales in China, where physical SIM cards are standard. Additionally, the thin design may necessitate a smaller battery and fewer cameras.

This analysis follows information from The Wall Street Journal, which suggests that Apple plans to revitalize sales with a new iPhone that would cost less than the Pro models (which in itself doesn’t make them inexpensive, nor mainstream priced).

Speculation around Apple’s foldable devices has circulated since at least 2016. Previous reports from Kuo and other analysts indicate that the project has faced repeated internal delays but could materialize as early as 2026 or 2027. Additionally, ultra-large foldable iPads and MacBooks may also be under development.

Apple’s primary challenge reportedly lies in designing a durable folding hinge and screen. Even manufacturers with years of experience in foldables, like Samsung, continue to face reliability issues, as TechSpot writers can attest.

December 2024 iPhone shipments in China reportedly declined by about 10% year-over-year, and global shipments for Q1 2025 are forecasted to drop by approximately 6%.

Apple is also expected to launch the iPhone SE 4 in March, which might include Apple Intelligence features. However, there is little proof that the GenAI toolchain, which is exclusive to Apple’s newest hardware, is pushing users to upgrade. Reports of inaccurate news summaries certainly won’t help.

Furthermore, a recent survey indicates that users aren’t interested in Apple Intelligence, and other data shows that GenAI isn’t increasing sales for other manufacturers either.

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