Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Could Launch in 2026

Apple's first foldable has been hitting the leaks a little too much as of late. Now, a new report suggests that Apple is planning to launch its first foldable iPhone in late 2026, marking its long-awaited entry into the category.

This falls in line with the timeline that recent leaks and reports have suggested. Just last month, a report from Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that the foldable iPhone could enter production later this year.

As for the form factor of the device, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the company is developing a book-style foldable that closely resembles Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series. However, the foldable aims to flaunt the signature Apple refinement on both the hardware and software front.

Gurman also states that Apple's foldable iPhone will be using OLED panels from Samsung Display. This also falls in line with a previous report that suggested the same. There's reportedly a strong emphasis on minimising the infamous foldable crease as well. 

Additionally, the latest report also states that Apple's hardware engineers are also working on slimming down the hinge mechanism to make it more durable than existing foldables. Moreover, the overall chassis could also be trimmed to make the foldable sleeker. However, progress has reportedly been slow, with Apple's standards for polish and product stability contributing to the delayed timeline. 

The late-2026 release window means Apple will be entering a segment that will have matured for nearly a decade. Despite that, analysts expect Apple's arrival in the category to boost the mainstream adoption of foldables, much like it did with smartwatches and tablets. 

According to industry insiders, the foldable iPhone will be positioned as a premium, ultra-high-end device priced above $2,000 (approximately Rs 1,72,500). This will make it Apple's most expensive iPhone to date. 

Moreover, the new report also suggests that the foldable iPhone will debut with iOS 27, which will introduce new software features optimised for the foldable display. 

Though Apple's entry in the foldable market may be late, it is unlikely to be underwhelming. Historically, the company has let competitors test and refine emerging hardware categories before launching its own rendition. This has let Apple be on top of ecosystem integration, industrial design and reliability for its devices. 

The foldable iPhone, if it lives up to expectations, could reframe foldables as not just a niche device, but a necessity. However, a foldable iPhone is not all that Apple is working on. As per the latest report, Apple is also planning on introducing a new iPad Pro this year with the M5 chipset as well as dual front cameras.

Only time will tell what the Cupertino giant has in store for us. Expect more details to surface in the coming days and months leading up to the official unveil.