Apple Set to Launch First Foldable iPhone in 2026

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 03-Dec-2024

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Apple is gearing up to enter the foldable smartphone market, with reports suggesting that the company plans to launch its first foldable iPhone in the second half of 2026. This move will mark a significant milestone for Apple, as it will be stepping into a space already dominated by rivals like Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola. The foldable iPhone is expected to set new benchmarks for the industry, with Apple’s reputation for combining exceptional hardware and software likely to create waves in the smartphone world.

A Growing Foldable Market

The foldable smartphone market has been evolving steadily in recent years, particularly due to innovations by brands like Samsung. Samsung’s Galaxy Z series has been a major force in pushing foldable devices into the mainstream. Over the years, Samsung has enhanced the design and durability of its foldable smartphones, which has led to their growing popularity.

However, despite the overall progress in this category, recent reports have pointed to some difficulties for foldable smartphones. A report from the Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) reveals that foldable smartphone sales experienced their first year-over-year decline in 2024. After years of consistent growth, the market is expected to face a 4% drop in 2025, with demand for foldable panels stagnating at around 22 million units. Despite this, the DSCC report highlights that Apple’s entry into the foldable market could reignite interest and boost demand once again.

What to Expect from Apple’s Foldable iPhone

Apple is known for its attention to detail and its ability to combine cutting-edge technology with sleek, premium designs. The foldable iPhone is expected to feature an innovative folding mechanism, possibly integrating elements from its existing iPhone lineup. The device is likely to boast a flexible OLED display capable of enduring hundreds of thousands of folds without significant wear, addressing one of the major concerns that have plagued foldable smartphones so far.

In terms of hardware, Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to come with the latest high-performance chips, top-tier cameras, and all the premium features that Apple devices are known for. The device will likely run on iOS, ensuring seamless integration with Apple’s broader ecosystem, which includes services like iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple Pay. This tight integration between hardware and software is expected to provide an exceptional user experience.

Impact on the Foldable Smartphone Market

If Apple successfully launches a foldable iPhone, it could significantly change the landscape of the foldable smartphone market. As the brand’s loyal customer base eagerly awaits this new product, Apple’s involvement could spark renewed interest in foldable devices. While Samsung and other manufacturers have pioneered this technology, Apple’s reputation and innovation could bring a new level of attention and demand to foldable smartphones.

In conclusion, Apple’s foldable iPhone, slated for release in late 2026, could be a game-changer in the foldable smartphone market. While it holds the potential to rejuvenate interest in foldable devices, its impact on the broader market and its competitors remains to be seen. Apple’s entry into this category will be closely watched, as it could redefine how we view foldable smartphones and how the market develops in the coming years.