Apple Prioritizes AI Over Foldable Hardware in 2024 Cycle

Apple has concluded its primary 2024 hardware cycle without the introduction of a foldable iPhone or iPad. While speculation regarding a new form factor persisted throughout the year, the company's actual releases focused on iterative hardware updates and a strategic pivot toward generative AI.

Official event data confirms that Apple did not announce any foldable devices for the 2024 calendar year. Instead, the September launch centered on the iPhone 16 series, which provided standard hardware refreshes. The defining characteristic of this cycle was the introduction of "Apple Intelligence," a suite of AI integrations designed to reshape how users interact with the iOS ecosystem.

The Strategy of Maturity

Apple has long been rumored to be developing foldable technology to compete with Samsung and other Android manufacturers who have already commercialized the category. However, the company historically avoids being first to market with unproven hardware. By waiting for the technology to mature, Apple aims to mitigate common industry failures associated with foldable screens, such as visible creasing and long-term durability issues.

Market Implications

For the industry, the absence of a foldable in 2024 underscores Apple's current belief that software-driven utility—specifically AI—is a more immediate value proposition than a change in physical shape. A foldable device would represent the most significant form-factor shift for the iPhone or iPad in years, potentially opening a new luxury market segment. However, with smartphone hardware growth stagnating globally, Apple is betting that AI integration will drive the next major upgrade cycle rather than a folding screen.

What Remains

While the 2024 window has closed without a foldable release, the company's long-term interest in the technology remains a point of industry observation. Analysts will continue to watch for supply chain shifts or patent filings that indicate when Apple believes the hardware is sufficiently refined for a mass-market launch. For now, the focus remains entirely on the deployment and scaling of Apple Intelligence across its existing device lineup.