Google Android President: Apple's foldable entry is positive; Android often first to see future

As Apple prepares to open pre-orders for its first foldable device, Samir Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem at Google, has commented on the tech giant's move into the foldable market. He noted that it is a positive development to see more companies recognizing the importance of foldable devices at a later stage, adding that Android has typically been "the platform that sees the future first."

Android's Head Start in Foldables

From a timeline perspective, the Android ecosystem has been earlier to market with foldable devices. Samsung launched its first foldable smartphone in 2019, and multiple Android manufacturers have since continued to release foldable products. In an interview, Samat mentioned that he currently uses the Z Fold8, stating that the device helps him manage a heavy workload. He often performs productivity tasks on such devices before switching to a laptop.

Apple's Potential Market Impact

Apple's entry is still regarded as a significant variable in the foldable market. According to research firm Counterpoint Research, Apple is expected to capture approximately 25% of the foldable phone market share in its first year of entry, with that figure potentially rising to 40% by the end of 2027. Analysts attribute this to the appeal of Apple's ecosystem, noting that while some users are interested in foldable devices, they still prefer to remain within Apple's device and service ecosystem.

App Adaptation and Ecosystem Competition

In terms of app adaptation, Apple is also seen as potentially having certain advantages. As it pushes developers to optimize applications for large-screen foldable form factors, competition in the app ecosystem is expected to intensify. In response, Samat acknowledged that there is still room for improvement in Android foldable app adaptation. However, he also stated that as foldable form factors become more widespread, developers will see greater value in investing, and Google is working to lower the barrier to adaptation by simplifying tools.

Broader Market Implications

Samat also suggested that Apple's entry could further raise the overall profile of the foldable category, creating a spillover effect that benefits the Android ecosystem. He believes that the foldable product form has already been validated by the market and has been growing steadily for some time. With more manufacturers joining the space, competition in the foldable market and the development of the app ecosystem are expected to accelerate.