A foldable iPhone is coming from Apple in 2023, analyst says

It's going to become the must-have device of the high-end smartphone market.

| More on:

Image source: Getty Images.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

The next upgrade cycle for Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhones is going to be part of a "super replacement cycle," and an analyst is predicting the tech giant will be offering a foldable iPhone in 2023 to coincide with the trend.

MacRumors reported on Sunday that it has seen a research note to investors from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who says the feature-rich phone will offer an 8-inch QHD+ flexible OLED display. He forecasts Apple will ship 15 million to 20 million foldable iPhones in 2023.

In a rather upbeat and bullish note, Kuo said Apple is likely to be the biggest winner among manufacturers of foldable smartphones, which will become the obligatory tech that consumers need to have.

Currently, a foldable phone is designed to bring together the convenience and power of a smartphone and tablet computer, but further technological developments will add in the discrete capabilities of laptops, too.

Kuo wrote that Apple has a powerful, long-term edge over the competition. "With its cross-product ecosystems and hardware design advantages, Apple will be the biggest winner in the new foldable device trend," he said.

The analyst says development hasn't officially begun yet on the foldable iPhone, but he was making the prediction based on his latest industry survey.

Samsung has been a leader in foldable phones, releasing the Galaxy Fold in 2019. It has since been joined by LG and Motorola, though LG announced it was exiting the smartphone market.

Kuo believes all major smartphone manufacturers will need to have a foldable device, since it will be the center point of the next "super replacement cycle" for high-end models. But this is not the first time speculation has surfaced over Apple developing a foldable phone.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Apple and recommends the following options: short March 2023 $130 calls on Apple and long March 2023 $120 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

Rich Duprey has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long March 2023 $120.0 calls on Apple and short March 2023 $130.0 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on International Stock News

Business woman with her arms folded stands in front of multiple screens.
International Stock News

How did the Magnificent 7 fare this reporting season?

Let's explore the highlights.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
International Stock News

Amazon: A good quarter but some concerns

Here's our initial take on Amazon's financial report.

Read more »

Man looks up at apple on his head.
International Stock News

Apple: Growth in a difficult environment

Here's our initial take on Apple's financial report.

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her chin resting on her hand as she contemplates her next potential investment.
International Stock News

Why Microsoft stock popped this week

Microsoft stock was up by 9.5% this week.

Read more »

Electric vehicle such as Tesla being charged at charging station.
International Stock News

Tesla searches for Musk successor: Why this matters

Could Elon get the chainsaw from his own board?

Read more »

customers inside and outside a Microsoft retail store
International Stock News

Microsoft shares earnings report: What's the verdict?

Investors moved the Microsoft share price significantly.

Read more »

Warren Buffett
International Stock News

Countdown to Berkshire's AGM: What do investors expect to hear from Warren Buffett this year?

All eyes will be on Omaha, Nebraska this weekend.

Read more »

A smiling woman holds a Facebook like sign above her head.
International Stock News

Meta surges on blockbuster earnings report

It's a good day to be a Meta investor.

Read more »