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Samsung's bet on the future of smartphones is something Apple doesn't have an answer to yet | CNN Business

Summary: The Rise of Foldable Phones and AI Integration by Samsung and Apple

In the rapidly evolving world of smartphone technology, foldable phones have emerged as a significant trend, blending innovative design with cutting-edge functionality. A recent article published by CNN on July 9, 2025, titled "New Foldable Phones: Samsung, Apple, and the AI Revolution," delves into the latest developments in this niche but growing market segment. The piece highlights how industry giants Samsung and Apple are pushing the boundaries of mobile technology by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their foldable devices, aiming to redefine user experiences and solidify their positions in a competitive landscape. This summary explores the key points of the article, including the technological advancements, market dynamics, design innovations, AI capabilities, and the broader implications for consumers and the tech industry.

Samsung, a pioneer in the foldable phone market, has been at the forefront of this technology since the launch of its first Galaxy Fold in 2019. According to the CNN report, Samsung unveiled its latest iteration of foldable devices during a high-profile event in 2025, likely part of its annual Galaxy Unpacked showcase. The new models, presumably the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 (based on naming conventions), feature significant upgrades in durability, display quality, and performance. The article notes that Samsung has addressed past criticisms regarding the fragility of foldable screens by incorporating a more robust hinge mechanism and an enhanced ultra-thin glass layer. These improvements aim to make the devices more resistant to wear and tear, a critical factor for consumer adoption given the premium price points of foldable phones, often exceeding $1,500.

Beyond hardware, Samsung’s latest foldables are deeply integrated with AI-driven features, reflecting a broader industry trend toward smarter, more intuitive devices. The CNN piece details how Samsung’s proprietary AI platform, likely an evolution of its Bixby or a collaboration with Google’s Gemini AI, enhances multitasking capabilities on the larger foldable screens. For instance, users can run multiple apps simultaneously with AI optimizing screen real estate and suggesting app pairings based on usage patterns. Additionally, AI-powered photography tools, such as real-time scene optimization and advanced image editing, leverage the unique form factor of foldable devices to offer a more versatile camera experience. The article suggests that Samsung is positioning these AI enhancements as a key differentiator, especially as competition in the foldable market intensifies with players like Oppo, Vivo, and Huawei gaining traction, particularly in Asian markets.

Apple, on the other hand, is a relatively late entrant to the foldable phone arena, but its potential impact cannot be understated. The CNN report speculates on Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone, which has been the subject of industry buzz for years. While Apple has not officially confirmed such a device as of the article’s publication, leaks and analyst predictions cited in the piece suggest that a foldable iPhone could debut as early as 2026. The article explores how Apple’s approach to foldables might differ from Samsung’s, emphasizing seamless integration with its ecosystem of devices and services. For example, a foldable iPhone could offer unique synergies with the iPad and Mac, allowing for a fluid transition between form factors and enhanced productivity features tailored for Apple’s user base.

AI is also a central theme in Apple’s rumored foldable strategy, according to the CNN analysis. Building on the success of Siri and recent advancements in machine learning, Apple is expected to embed generative AI capabilities into its foldable device, enabling features like predictive text input, personalized content recommendations, and even AI-assisted content creation directly from the device. The article highlights that Apple’s focus on privacy—long a cornerstone of its brand—will likely shape how these AI features are implemented, with on-device processing prioritized over cloud-based solutions to protect user data. This contrasts with Samsung’s approach, which often relies on a hybrid of on-device and cloud AI processing, raising questions about data security that the CNN piece briefly touches upon.

The broader market implications of these developments are another focal point of the article. Foldable phones, while still a niche segment, are gaining momentum, with shipments projected to grow significantly over the next few years. Citing industry data, the CNN report notes that foldable phone sales accounted for a small but growing percentage of the global smartphone market in 2024, with Samsung holding a dominant share. However, Apple’s entry could disrupt this dynamic, potentially accelerating mainstream adoption due to its loyal customer base and marketing prowess. The article also discusses pricing as a barrier to entry, with foldables remaining out of reach for many consumers. Both Samsung and Apple are reportedly exploring ways to reduce costs without compromising quality, though specifics remain speculative at this stage.

From a design perspective, the CNN piece contrasts Samsung’s dual-form-factor strategy—offering both book-style (Galaxy Z Fold) and clamshell (Galaxy Z Flip) designs—with Apple’s rumored focus on a single, hybrid design that balances portability and screen size. Samsung’s foldables cater to different user needs, with the Z Fold targeting productivity-focused consumers and the Z Flip appealing to fashion-conscious buyers seeking compact devices. Apple, however, might opt for a middle ground, leveraging its minimalist design philosophy to create a foldable that feels like a natural extension of the iPhone lineup. The article includes expert commentary suggesting that Apple’s design choices will heavily influence industry trends, as competitors often follow Cupertino’s lead in aesthetics and functionality.

AI integration in foldable phones also raises questions about the future of mobile computing, as explored in the CNN report. With larger screens and more powerful processors, foldables are blurring the line between smartphones and tablets, potentially challenging the relevance of standalone devices like laptops for certain tasks. The article cites examples of AI-driven features, such as real-time language translation during video calls and automated note-taking during meetings, that could make foldables indispensable tools for professionals. However, it also acknowledges challenges, including battery life constraints and the learning curve associated with new form factors, which could hinder widespread adoption in the short term.

The CNN piece concludes with a forward-looking perspective on the role of foldable phones in shaping the tech landscape. As Samsung continues to refine its offerings and Apple prepares to enter the fray, the competition is expected to drive innovation, benefiting consumers with more choices and potentially lower prices over time. The integration of AI, in particular, is seen as a game-changer, transforming foldables from novelty gadgets into essential devices that adapt to users’ needs in real time. The article also touches on environmental concerns, noting that both companies face pressure to make their foldable devices more sustainable through recyclable materials and longer product lifecycles, though concrete steps in this direction remain limited as of 2025.

In summary, the CNN article provides a comprehensive overview of the foldable phone market, spotlighting Samsung’s latest advancements and Apple’s anticipated entry while emphasizing the transformative potential of AI. It paints a picture of an industry at a pivotal moment, where design innovation, technological prowess, and consumer demand intersect to redefine what smartphones can do. As foldables evolve from niche products to mainstream contenders, the stakes for Samsung, Apple, and their competitors have never been higher, setting the stage for a new era of mobile technology.

Read the Full CNN Article at:
[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/09/tech/new-foldable-phones-samsung-apple-ai ]