iPhone Fold, MacBook Neo, and iPhones in Space, on the AppleInsider Podcast
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The AppleInsider Podcast episode dives deep into the latest rumors surrounding the upcoming iPhone Fold, dissecting conflicting reports about its manufacturing status and potential delays. Hosts William Gallagher and Wesley Hilliard analyze the credibility of leaks from sources like Instant Digital and Nikkei Asia, questioning whether Apple is facing genuine production issues or if the delays are strategic. They debate the device's viability, criticizing its awkward form factor, lack of MagSafe, and inferior camera system compared to flagship iPhones. Despite skepticism, they acknowledge Apple's potential to popularize foldables if released, though a delay could devastate the entire foldable market. The conversation shifts to the MacBook Neo, highlighting its surprising success and the unexpected shortage of A18 Pro chips due to Apple repurposing 'binned' chips (those missing a CPU core) for the affordable laptop. The episode also covers the historic moment of iPhones being used in space during the Artemis II mission, noting that while personal devices were allowed for the first time, the most stunning photos were still captured on professional DSLRs. The hosts reflect on the cultural significance of Apple products reaching new frontiers, even as they question the practicality of the iPhone Fold.
The iPhone Fold may face a significant delay due to manufacturing issues, potentially impacting the entire foldable market if Apple pushes it to 2027.
Apple is repurposing 'binned' A18 Pro chips—those with a missing CPU core—for the MacBook Neo, leading to a shortage and raising questions about future pricing.
Despite being in space, the most iconic photos from the Artemis II mission were taken with a Nikon D5, not an iPhone, highlighting the limitations of smartphone cameras in extreme environments.
The iPhone Fold's design is criticized for being awkward, lacking MagSafe, and offering no real advantage over current iPhones or iPads.
Apple's entry into the foldable market could either revolutionize it or destroy it, depending on whether the device launches on time and with sufficient demand.
The iPhone Fold Rumor Storm: Conflicting Reports and Market Implications
“If Apple doesn't release their smartphone because of marketing and because of lining up, it gets pushed back for whatever reason to 2027. All of this work will have been for nothing. All of this inventory will be sitting there. The demand won't be there. Companies could suffer greatly...”
Why the iPhone Fold Might Not Make Sense
“It's not a good iPhone and it's not a good iPad. It's probably an okay foldable. But what does that even mean?”
The MacBook Neo: A Smash Hit and Chip Shortage
The conversation shifts to the MacBook Neo, which has become a massive success. The hosts discuss how Apple is using 'binned' A18 Pro chips—those with a missing CPU core—for the affordable laptop, leading to a shortage. They explore the implications of this strategy and how Apple may need to invest in new chip production to meet demand.
iPhones in Space: A Historic Moment
“An iPhone has now traveled further than any other human has from the Earth. I just find that all very fun.”
The Future of Foldables and Apple's Strategic Dilemma
The hosts speculate on the long-term impact of Apple's potential delay in releasing the iPhone Fold. They warn that a 2027 launch could kill the foldable market, as competitors would have no incentive to invest in production without Apple's demand. They also discuss the possibility that Apple might ultimately abandon the project if it proves too difficult to manufacture.
“If Apple doesn't release their smartphone because of marketing and because of lining up, it gets pushed back for whatever reason to 2027. All of this work will have been for nothing. All of this inventory will be sitting there. The demand won't be there. Companies could suffer greatly...”
“It's not a good iPhone and it's not a good iPad. It's probably an okay foldable. But what does that even mean?”
“An iPhone has now traveled further than any other human has from the Earth. I just find that all very fun.”
Hosts
iPhone Fold
product
Apple
organization
MacBook Neo
product
Wesley Hilliard
person
William Gallagher
person
A18 Pro
product
Artemis II
other
Samsung
organization
Claude by Anthropic
product
Elgato Stream Deck Plus
product
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