Apple's shadow looms: huawei and samsung race to copy the fold

The foldable phone market is rapidly converging, not on innovation, but on imitation. The specter of Apple's forthcoming iPhone Fold is casting a long shadow, prompting Samsung and now Huawei to churn out near-identical designs – a trend that ultimately diminishes the industry's potential and, frankly, feels rather uninspired.

The wide fold trend: a case of blind following

We've witnessed a flurry of leaks surrounding Samsung's Galaxy Z Wide Fold and now, Huawei's own ambitions in this space are becoming clear. Both mirror the rumored design of Apple's iPhone Fold, opting for a wide-screen format instead of the more conventional tall internal display favored by earlier foldables. This isn’t merely evolution; it’s a disconcerting echo of what Apple is expected to bring to the table. The question isn’t whether these phones will be functional, but whether they’ll be original.

It's easy to criticize Samsung and Huawei for this apparent lack of imagination, but the issue goes deeper. Apple, despite its flaws, remains a significant force in mobile Technology, and its influence is undeniable. From the jettisoning of the 3.5mm headphone jack to the protruding camera modules, manufacturers have historically followed Apple's lead. While imitation can sometimes foster progress, this blind adherence feels less like innovation and more like an attempt to piggyback on Apple’s established brand power.

Consider this: why invest in creating a genuinely unique experience when you can simply replicate the design of a device backed by a massive marketing machine and a fiercely loyal customer base?

The iphone fold: a logo, not a design, will drive sales

Let’s be realistic: Apple is poised to dominate the foldable market, not because of a revolutionary design—the wide-screen format is hardly groundbreaking—but because of the logo on the back. The iPhone Fold will represent a seismic shift in Apple’s design language, a first major change in nearly two decades. This will generate immense buzz, regardless of its merits, and capitalize on the existing brand loyalty.

The Pixel Fold attempted a different approach with its square design, a bold move that ultimately didn't resonate with consumers. Samsung and Huawei, it seems, have opted for a safer, albeit less exciting, path.

Huawei's missed opportunity

What’s particularly frustrating is that Huawei has demonstrated its capacity for genuine innovation. The original Pura X, with its vertical orientation and unique design, showcased a truly original approach to foldable Technology. Limited to the Chinese market, it remains a tantalizing example of what Huawei could be achieving instead of chasing Apple's shadow. Producing a derivative iPhone Fold feels like a step backward, a squandering of potential.

Samsung and Huawei are risking a costly miscalculation. The Galaxy S25 Edge serves as a cautionary tale: a bold attempt that ultimately flopped. These wide-fold devices could similarly fail to capture significant attention, becoming expensive white elephants. More damagingly, they reinforce the perception that these companies are merely imitators, eroding their own brand identity in the process. Apple, meanwhile, will continue to reap the rewards of its own design decisions, regardless of whether they are truly innovative or not.

The industry isn’t racing toward a better future; it's scrambling to catch up with a perceived trend. And in doing so, it risks losing something far more valuable than market share: its originality.