Foldable Phones and AI?

ByWYL

I’ve been an iPhone user for many years, largely because of its usability, reliability, and strong battery life. Over time, I experimented with a few Android devices for their camera capabilities and flexibility, but I typically returned to the Apple ecosystem for its seamless integration.

That changed in recent months when I transitioned to a foldable device.

Interestingly, the move was closely tied to AI. While Apple has introduced AI-related features, particularly around Siri, the overall integration has felt underwhelming. In contrast, the Android ecosystem—especially with Gemini embedded directly into the device—offers a much more capable and proactive assistant experience.

As someone leading AI initiatives professionally, I find it important to experiment with different AI applications and workflows firsthand. The traditional smartphone form factor is perfectly adequate for content consumption and basic communication. However, it becomes limiting for more meaningful AI use cases—multi-window workflows, document review, model experimentation, and iterative prompting. The expanded screen real estate of a foldable device materially changes that experience.

The transition did introduce some ecosystem friction. Photo sharing was the most noticeable disruption. That said, the camera performance on my foldable device has pleasantly surprised my family. The color rendering and lighting balance are, in many cases, superior to what I experienced previously—an unexpected but welcome benefit.

From a lifestyle perspective, the foldable format also aligns better with my daily routines in Asia. I used to carry a tablet when accompanying my children to various activities, but that setup felt increasingly cumbersome. Over time, I realized I needed something ultra-portable that still allowed for comfortable reading and light work. A foldable device effectively bridges the gap between phone and tablet without adding bulk.

I remain interested in seeing what Apple may eventually deliver in the foldable space. However, recent market performance may reflect broader questions around the pace of innovation. For now, the shift has been both practical and professionally insightful.

Similar Posts

  • The Lightest Laptop

    ByWYL

    In my last post, I mentioned how much I enjoy using the iPad Pro. That said, deep down I’ve still been searching for a truly lightweight laptop. The MacBook Air remains one of my all-time favorites, but over the years it has gotten heavier. With my schedule—constantly driving my kids to different activities—I’ve been wanting…

  • can LLM reason

    ByWYL

    I’ve spent some time teaching and even training large language models. The question of whether LLMs can actually reason still comes up often. My answer remains essentially the same: no — but with a grain of salt. A couple of years ago, my stance was straightforward. LLMs are fundamentally massive probabilistic models, designed to predict…

  • AI – model, Data, to Engineering

    ByWYL

    I once taught a project-oriented master graduation class on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Students were given the flexibility to choose their own projects, and I guided them through the process. This approach, where students learn through new challenges and practical applications, closely mirrors real-world AI practice. Initially, I focused on teaching the underlying models…

  • AI, reading, and Traveling

    ByWYL

    I originally intended to use this space to share technical thoughts on AI, but I’ll ease in with something lighter—my reading routine while traveling. Lately, I’ve been on the road quite a bit, often crossing continents. For years, I preferred lightweight laptops for work, and the Lenovo ThinkPad—especially the Nano series—was my go-to. The first-generation…