Foldable Phone Needs 'Killer App,' or It's a 'Solution Looking for a Problem,' Says IHS
The foldable phone, a design Samsung previewed last week (see 1811070058), could disrupt the stagnating smartphone industry, or be a “solution looking for a problem,” wrote IHS' Wayne Lam in a Monday research note: Samsung needs developers to help launch…
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the category with a “killer application” that motivates consumers to switch. Larger screens, longer aspect ratios and shrinking bezels made smartphones better, but as designs converge, "subsequent design innovations also begin to stagnate,” Lam said. The foldable design is the “logical next step” for more immersive experiences, he said: Google’s backing is important. Though consumers show a willingness to pay higher smartphone prices, don't "assume that the price elasticity of smartphones can be stretched into price ranges that overlap with tablets, mobile PCs and other products,” he said. China’s Royole last month unveiled the first-ever foldable-screen smartphone, IHS said.