Apple's Foldable iPhone Rumored to Be Coming in 2026—Late to the Party?

By Jose Antonio Lanz

Apple is developing a foldable iPhone that could debut as early as 2026, according to an exclusive report from The Information. The device allegedly features a clamshell design reminiscent of Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip series, rather than a book-style fold seen in other models.

According to the report, Apple has approached Asian suppliers about producing components for the folding device, codenamed "V68" internally.

While Apple is notoriously secretive about its future plans, this update adds another chapter to the long-running saga of Apple's long-expected foray into foldable technology. While rumors and insider leaks are constant, of course, there's no guarantee a widely reported product under development will actually materialize. Case in point? The never announced but canceled Apple car project.

A crowded market

Apple's approach to new technologies has historically been measured and deliberate, often waiting for market validation before introducing features. For example, it delayed the adoption of larger screens with the iPhone Max series, which came years after Samsung's Note line proved that there was consumer appetite for plus-sized smartphones. And Apple just introduced custom home screen themes for iOS this year, despite it being a feature available in Android—and even jailbroken iPhones—for years.

Now, five years after the release of the world’s first mass-produced foldable phone, the Royole Flexpai, the markets are flooded with foldables from big tech companies.

Samsung is already selling the sixth generation of its Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Flip smartphones, and the Motorola Razr has gone through four generations of developments, Huawei offers its MateX and Pocket 2 line of foldable smartphones, and the Oppo Find N foldables are also rocking the Asian market.

There are also foldables from Google, OnePlus, Honor, Vivo and ZTE.

Apple exploration

The story of a future foldable iPhone has seen its fair share of twists and turns.

The Cupertino-based company's interest in flexible displays dates back to at least 2016, when early rumors suggested that manufacturer LG would be mass-producing foldable screens for smartphones by 2018. While that particular prediction didn't materialize, it marked the beginning of persistent speculation about Apple's plans in the space.

In 2020, reports emerged that two prototypes had passed internal durability tests at Foxconn's Shenzhen factory. One design allegedly featured two separate displays connected by a hinge, while the other boasted a single foldable screen. Again, these reports didn't lead to a product launch.

More tangibly, Apple's patent filings offer some insight into the company's exploration of foldable technology. A 2016 patent described a smartphone that folds horizontally using a flexible OLED display and a hinged metal support structure.

Source: Apple Insider

Subsequent patents have addressed potential challenges associated with foldable devices. A 2019 filing detailed a built-in heating element to prevent display failures in cold temperatures, while a 2020 patent outlined a hinge mechanism designed to protect the screen from creasing or damage when folded.

The company's perfectionist tendencies are manifesting in reported struggles to eliminate the visible crease that plagues current foldable devices, according to The Information. This challenge could be a key factor in the extended development timeline, as Apple likely aims to deliver a product that surpasses existing offerings in terms of durability and aesthetics.

When and how?

Industry analysts have offered varying predictions about the timeline for Apple's first foldable device. Before The Information penciled in a 2026 release, Ming-Chi Kuo—a well-known Apple analyst and leaker—had suggested a 2025 launch.

However, more recent rumors have pushed that estimate to 2027, with some reports even hinting at the possibility of cancellation.

Analyst Jeff Pu has proposed a more optimistic timeline, suggesting mass production could begin in late 2026, according to an investor note from Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu, seen by 9to5Mac.

However, Apple's first venture into foldable technology might not necessarily be an iPhone. A report by Korean tech site The Elec says that the company has been working on a foldable iPad-like device since 2022—potentially as a way to test the waters and refine the technology before applying it to its flagship product line. Similarly, a report by the tech research firm Omdia says we should expect to see foldable iPads somewhere in 2027.

A similar device to compare a potential foldable iPad could be Lenovo’s foldable ThinkPad X1 Fold or the ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold.

Again, however, an Apple device with a folding screen is not a sure thing. These reports remain rumors that should be taken with a huge grain of salt.

Edited by Ryan Ozawa.

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