Google’s Android Chief Says Apple’s iPhone Duo Trails 2019 Foldables as Apple Eyes 25% Share
Updated
Updated · Tom's Guide · Sep 23
Google’s Android Chief Says Apple’s iPhone Duo Trails 2019 Foldables as Apple Eyes 25% Share
3 articles · Updated · Tom's Guide · Sep 23
Summary
Sameer Samat said Apple’s iPhone Duo validates foldables but arrives years after Android devices, noting Samsung launched the first Galaxy Fold in 2019 and arguing “Android is usually where you see the future first.”
Samat framed Apple’s entry as a category boost rather than a direct setback, saying wider consumer interest should lift Android foldables as preorders for the Duo approach on Oct. 16.
Counterpoint Research estimates Apple could capture about 25% of the foldable market in its first year and 40% by the end of 2027, helped by users tied to Apple’s broader ecosystem.
App support remains a pressure point for Android foldables: Apple highlighted optimized apps such as Slack and Netflix, while Samat acknowledged some Android apps still need work even as Google pushes easier developer tools.