Rumors about foldable iPhones have circulated for many years, but recent reports have suggested that Apple is finally getting closer to announcing its new product. Apple is reportedly working on two foldable products, a clamshell foldable iPhone and a giant 20-inch foldable iPad, but the foldable iPhone is on track to debut first.
Screen details
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is reportedly going to be a clamshell folding device, something akin to the Galaxy Z Flip or Motorola Razr – with a display size similar to a typical phone, just with the ability to fold inwards and be smaller in your pocket.
Recent reports from The Wall Street Journal have suggested that the foldable iPhone will have a screen size larger than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, meaning it’ll offer an at least 7-inch display:
The company is also planning two foldable devices, the people said. A larger device, intended to serve as a laptop, would have a screen that unfolds to be nearly as large as some desktop monitors, at about 19 inches. A smaller model would unfold to a display size that would be larger than an iPhone 16 Pro Max, intended to serve as a foldable iPhone, the people said.
Some internal challenges with developing a foldable have included reducing crease visibility, improving the hinge, and creating a good material for the display cover. Apple aims to have all of this figured out by the time they release.
Foldable market
Apple’s first foldable iPhone will reportedly bolster a declining foldable market, according to the Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC).
From 2019 to 2023, the foldable market enjoyed a staggering 40% year over year growth rate. However, the group believes that’ll slow significantly to around 5% growth in 2024, and the market will actually begin facing a sales decline beginning in 2025:
DSCC’s latest report on the foldable and rollable/slidable display market for all display applications shows that the foldable smartphone market has stalled. After enjoying at least 40% growth per year from 2019-2023, DSCC now believes the foldable smartphone display market will rise just 5% in 2024 and fall by 4% in 2025. Demand has stalled at around 22M panels.
However, the group believes that Apple stepping into the market could cause a rapid increase in foldable demand, as the company could bring new functionality to the table. I’ve personally heard many people state that they like the concept of the Galaxy Z Flip, but just can’t ditch their iPhone.
Release date
According to multiple sources, Apple’s first foldable iPhone will debut in the second half of 2026, likely alongside the iPhone 18 lineup. This presumes there aren’t any more developmental delays. Earlier this year, Apple assigned a new V68 codename to the project – suggesting that this product has moved past just the prototyping stage, and we should expect to see it in our hands sometime soon.
My favorite iPhone accessories on Amazon:
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