Apple Balances Premium and Mass Appeal with Foldable iPhones

Apple's recent iPhone launch has sparked mixed reactions from consumers and analysts alike. The tech giant unveiled its foldable 'iPhone Duo' and 'iPhone 18 Pro' series, drawing strong interest before launch. However, fans of the ultra-thin 'iPhone Air' were disappointed to see no successor this time around.

Launched last year, the iPhone Air featured a slim design at 5.6mm thick and 165g, with a starting price of ¥159,800 in Japan. Although it carved out a niche for itself between standard and premium models, its sales fell short of expectations. Nevertheless, industry watchers believe that this thin model served as a technological stepping stone towards the foldable iPhone.

Apple's product strategy appears to be navigating a delicate balance between shifting towards the premium segment and broadening its customer base. Analysts suggest that Apple may strategically hold off on releasing the second-generation iPhone Air until next year, when it could launch alongside the standard 'iPhone 18' and budget 'iPhone 18E' models.

Nabila Popal of IDC believes this approach would allow Apple to distribute shipments more evenly throughout the year. She also notes that focusing on premium devices in the fall, particularly the new foldable iPhone, will help boost near-term profitability.