Apple could launch its first foldable iPhone as early as 2026. With iPhone sales slowing down and smartphone competition increasing, Apple “intends” to launch the foldable iPhone next year, according to a new report.
Android foldables have yet to go mainstream, but they have improved leaps and bounds in the last few years. Apple risks falling behind its competitors if it does not launch a foldable device soon. Given the premium pricing of Apple’s devices, many are curious about the mac cost, especially for this first-generation foldable model.
Apple could finally enter the foldable smartphone space next year
Foldable phones might not replace traditional smartphones entirely, at least for now. But they are on the verge of going mainstream. While Samsung was once the pioneer in the foldable smartphone space, that’s no longer the case. Chinese Android manufacturers are now innovating far faster than Samsung, launching slimmer and more durable folding devices.
In the United States, OnePlus and Motorola have made inroads with their foldable phones. With some impressive launches lined up for the year, it finally feels like folding phones are ready to go mainstream.
Apple has been working on its folding phone for years now. A report from late last year suggested Apple wants to launch its first foldable in 2026. Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reiterates the same in his latest Power On newsletter.
The device will purportedly sport a book-style design, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup. It could benefit from a display bigger than the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 6.9-inch panel. Apple apparently faced development problems with the folding iPhone’s hinge and folding screen, though. And if the technical challenges persist, the company might delay the folding iPhone’s release to 2027.
Future iPhone should bring big upgrades
While it may feel like Apple is not innovating enough with iPhones, the company is working on some major upgrades. This includes under-display cameras and a display with no cut-outs, with all Face ID components moving below the screen. And the company reportedly will launch a super-slim smartphone, potentially called the iPhone 17 Air, later this year.
Rajesh has been closely following and writing about the latest happenings in the world of mobile for nearly a decade now. While he prefers Android, he does not deny the superiority of Apple’s products and ecosystem.
