Apple is reportedly preparing for one of the most consequential shifts in its iPhone history: the launch of a foldable iPhone. According to multiple industry and supply-chain reports, the company is expected to introduce its first foldable device in late 2026, potentially alongside the iPhone 18 series-marking Apple’s long-anticipated entry into the foldables segment.
While Apple has yet to officially confirm the device, recent remarks from CEO Tim Cook have added to the growing momentum. Cook has hinted that upcoming Apple products will “deliver innovations that have never been seen before,” a broad statement that aligns closely with speculation around a foldable form factor. For a company known to enter new categories cautiously-but redefine them decisively-the timing appears deliberate.
Industry reports suggest the foldable iPhone will feature a book-style design, unfolding to reveal an internal display measuring approximately 7.6 to 7.8 inches, alongside an outer screen similar in size to current flagship iPhones. Notably, Apple is said to be prioritizing a near-crease-free display, addressing one of the most persistent challenges facing foldable devices and pointing to meaningful advances in materials and hinge engineering.
From a market and brand perspective, Apple’s entry could mark a turning point. The foldable smartphone category, currently dominated by Android players such as Samsung, has struggled to move beyond early adopters. Analysts believe Apple’s arrival could accelerate mainstream adoption, with early estimates suggesting the company could capture over 20% of global foldable shipments in its first year, along with a disproportionate share of category value driven by premium pricing.
Supply-chain activity indicates that key components are already in development, suggesting the product has moved beyond the conceptual stage. If launched as expected, Apple’s foldable iPhone would be more than a new device-it could reset consumer expectations, reshape category dynamics, and open a new chapter in the premium smartphone market.
