Samsung undoubtedly puts a lot of effort and love into the development of foldable smartphones, but is the Korean manufacturer losing sight of another, more important future market as a result? Apple and Co. seem better equipped.
When it comes to foldable and flexible smartphones, Samsung is one of the absolute pioneers. No other manufacturer has done so much development work and then brought finished cell phones onto the market. The Koreans are almost obsessive about the subject. A huge mistake? Yes, if you ask industry experts (source: The Korea Herald).
Samsung doesn’t see the AR/VR topic for all the foldable smartphones
The article in question reminds Samsung of its sole focus on foldable smartphones. the ensures that the future topic of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) is completely forgotten and leaves it to the competition. In addition, the competition is even better equipped. Quote:
“It’s not the smartphone manufacturers, it’s the big tech companies that are leading the way in XR devices because they have the content and platforms required. Google has an Android operating system, Microsoft has an Xbox, and Sony has a PlayStation. It’s risky for Samsung to launch XR devices, so the company has no choice but to stick with foldable phones.”
A big topic for Samsung, but not for Apple:
Apple better positioned
And Apple? They will benefit from Samsung’s misconduct. It’s an open secret, and the iPhone manufacturer is also working enthusiastically on corresponding AR/VR solutions. The first mixed reality glasses should appear this year. But even if this will probably be delayed until 2023, it is still ahead of Samsung. In addition, it does not stop there, because another AR glasses should also come from Apple. Such solutions could even replace the iPhone in 10 years, according to well-informed insiders. Apple currently sees foldable smartphones only as a gimmick. You can observe it, but you don’t have to take action yet.
A foldable iPhone currently only exists as a concept:
Samsung has the worse cards. Even if one decides to reverse the strategy, the infrastructure is still lacking. Apple, on the other hand, knows how to create its own network of app stores and services. Samsung, on the other hand, is dependent on partners, cannot act freely and is therefore less well positioned. So much for the comments of the Korea Herald colleagues. The future will show whether they are right. But it is probably better that as a tech manufacturer you have several irons in the fire and are always open to further developments.