Apple to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026?

Apple is anticipated to release its first foldable iPhone in the latter half of 2026, marking a significant entry into the expanding foldable smartphone market. While the foldable phone market has seen growth, it's also facing challenges, with declining sales in recent quarters. Apple's entry, with its expected high-quality design and integration, is hoped to revitalize the sector.

A major milestone for the firm as it enters the quickly expanding foldable smartphone industry is anticipated when Apple releases its first foldable iPhone in the second half of 2026. The industry may change as a result of this much awaited shift, with Apple's arrival probably setting new benchmarks for quality and creativity in foldable technology.

Over the past two years, the market for foldable smartphones has grown steadily thanks to businesses like Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola. With the Galaxy Z series, Samsung in particular has been a major force, steadily enhancing the foldable design and robustness with every version. However, given that Apple is renowned for its careful approach to hardware and software integration, which offers an experience that many customers are keen to explore, the company's entry into the foldable market is anticipated to get even more interest.

foldable phone

The difficulties foldable cellphones are having in the market are highlighted in a recent DSCC research. They recently saw their first year-over-year dip, and more is likely to come. However, the research points to Apple's impending foldable iPhone as one cause for hope.

According to the report, "DSCC currently projects that the foldable smartphone display market would increase by just 5% in 2024 and decline by 4% in 2025, following at least 40% annual growth from 2019 to 2023. At about 22 million panels, demand has plateaued. The purchase of foldable smartphone screens fell 38% year over year in Q3 of 24 and is predicted to decline for four of the following five quarters."

Numerous industry sources indicate that the next foldable iPhone will probably include state-of-the-art features, such as a flexible OLED display that won't noticeably wear after hundreds of thousands of folds. According to rumors, Apple's foldable will have a distinctive design that may incorporate elements from its current iPhone lineup with fresh, cutting-edge folding mechanics.

Strong technical specifications, such as a potent CPU, excellent cameras, and a svelte design that preserves the high-end feel for which Apple is renowned, are also anticipated for the foldable gadget. Additionally, Apple's iOS is probably compatible with the device, providing a smooth interaction with other Apple services and products including Apple Pay, iCloud, and Music.

The market for foldable smartphones is anticipated to be significantly impacted if Apple releases its foldable iPhone. It could be risky, though, to rely only on the iPhone to propel this category's progress. Other smartphone makers may encounter difficulties that Apple cannot handle on its own if the demand for foldables has already peaked.

The key question is how much a foldable iPhone can actually change the course of its rivals, even if it would probably increase demand for foldable smartphones. The solution will only become clear with time.