Is Apple About to Make Foldables Mainstream? w/ Michael Fisher

This episode features special guest Michael Fisher (Mr. Mobile) and explores why foldable smartphones remain a niche, with less than 2 percent of buyers ever having used one. Major barriers include Android exclusivity, iPhone user lock-in, limited mainstream interest, and high prices. Apple’s reputation for turning obscure categories mainstream raises the question of whether a future iPhone Fold would legitimize the segment or simply reveal how little consumer appetite there really is for foldables.

Hosts:  @Andru  &  @jon4lakers  
Guest:  @TheMrMobile 

Apple’s arrival in any product category can rapidly shift consumer perception, lending instant credibility to what was once seen as a novelty. Despite six-plus years and multiple iterations from Samsung and others, foldables have struggled to gain widespread traction, even as innovation continues. Real-world statistics show that adoption is slow and interest is still tightly linked to brand loyalty and ecosystem lock-in, rather than just hardware features.

Hands-on experience with Samsung’s Galaxy Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 highlights key improvements in ergonomics, camera systems, outer screen usability, and battery life. However, fast charging remains a notable weakness compared to competitors. Other technical debates include the ongoing value of S-Pen support, the importance of thinness versus durability, and how Chinese brands are advancing the market, though often at the cost of software polish or US market compatibility.

A major segment covers Apple’s lawsuit against Jon Prosser over leaked iOS 26 details and device trade secrets. The panel discusses the legal and ethical lines between tech journalism, leaks, and trade secret theft, contrasting the current case with past experiences and lawsuits in the industry. Topics include privacy expectations for employees, Apple’s approach to leaks, and the impact such lawsuits have on creators, reporters, and the broader tech community.

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