Folding iPhone. Pioneers get the arrows.
Samsung launched the first folding phone seven years ago and it fell apart in reviewers' hands. Apple has just perfected it. Pioneers get the arrows and settlers get the land.
THE GIST ON FOLDING IPHONE: "Folding iPhone"
What happened to the first folding phone?
In 2019, Samsung sent out 50 review units of the Galaxy Fold. The screens started dying within two days. Hinges tearing, bulges under the display, journalists peeling off what they thought was a screen protector but was actually the screen itself.
Samsung cancelled its launch three days before it happened and recalled all the units. Even the Wall Street Journal said in its review, "We are not your beta testers."
Who made Apple's screen?
After seven years of fixing it, Samsung Display is the only company that makes a folding screen Apple will accept. And Samsung Display is owned by Samsung. One half of the company has just armed the phone that will compete with the other.
Is this how Apple always works?
Apple has always worked this way. They didn't make the first MP3 player, smartphone, smartwatch or tablet. It only turns up when somebody has proved people want the thing and found out what breaks. And makes it look sexy and easy to use, of course.
What does it cost the pioneer?
Ask anybody who invented the smartphone and they'll probably say Apple. Same for the tablet and the MP3 player. Being first doesn't just cost you money and a kicking in public. It costs you the story.
Someone else turns up with a version that works, and history gives them the inventing of it too. No one remembers who tried, only who finished. Which is why you should thank the person who fails in public. They've usually done more for the rest of us than the person they make the statue of.
Do you want new tech first, or once it works?
Your take. One tap, then see how everyone else voted.
Quick answers
What went wrong with the Galaxy Fold?
Screens died within two days of the 50 review units going out, with hinge damage and bulges. Samsung cancelled its launch and recalled all units.
Who makes the screen for Apple's folding phone?
Samsung Display, the only company Apple will accept for a folding screen, which is owned by Samsung.
Is Apple ever first?
No. It didn't make the first MP3 player, smartphone, smartwatch or tablet. It arrives once someone has proved people want the thing and found out what breaks.
See you on the next one.
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