Apple is reportedly making significant strides towards releasing its first foldable iPhone, potentially launching the innovative device as early as 2026. According to an exclusive report by The Information, Apple's much-anticipated entry into the foldable smartphone market is advancing beyond the conceptual phase, with a prototype nicknamed "V68" now in development with suppliers.
The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a clamshell design similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip, a move that underscores Apple's commitment to entering the foldable segment pioneered by its South Korean rival in 2019. The design aims to appeal to a broad range of customers looking for a major hardware refresh in their smartphones.
One of the significant challenges Apple faces is eliminating the visible crease that typically appears on foldable screens when unfolded. Reports suggest that Apple is diligently working on this issue, striving to create a seamless display experience. Additionally, Apple is focused on making the device thinner, which has been a persistent challenge in the development of foldable smartphones.
The global foldable smartphone market has seen rapid growth, with a 49% increase in the first quarter of this year compared to the previous year, according to Counterpoint Research. This market expansion has been driven by companies like Samsung and Huawei, with Huawei recently taking the top spot in foldable phone sales for the first time. Apple's entry into this market is expected to intensify competition further and potentially attract new customers with its hallmark design and technological innovations.
Aside from its foldable phone efforts, Apple is reportedly planning significant upgrades for the iPhone's camera system. Next year's models might include a mechanical aperture system, enabling users to control the depth-of-field effect for more professional-looking photographs. This feature would blur the background while keeping the subject in sharp focus, enhancing the iPhone's photographic capabilities.
The potential release of Apple's foldable iPhone in 2026 comes at a strategic time when the company faces stiff competition in both China and global markets. Brands like Honor and Huawei are aggressively capturing market share, particularly in China, while Samsung remains a dominant force globally. Apple's foldable phone could serve as a key differentiator, helping it regain a competitive edge and attract tech-savvy consumers looking for the latest innovations.
Apple's foray into foldable technology has garnered significant attention from industry experts and consumers alike. "It's like having a vaccine basically," remarked Andrew Hill, a researcher at Liverpool University, drawing a parallel to the transformative impact such a device could have on the smartphone market. The potential for a foldable iPhone to "shut down" competition by setting new industry standards is a topic of keen interest.
"The idea has moved beyond the conceptual stage and is now in development with suppliers," noted the report from The Information. This development stage includes collaborating with suppliers in Asia to source components necessary for the foldable design, indicating Apple's serious commitment to bringing this product to market.
Samsung unveiled its latest foldable models earlier this year, making them lighter, slimmer, and equipped with new AI functions. As Apple aims to compete, the upcoming foldable iPhone could similarly be enhanced with advanced features to stand out in an increasingly crowded market.
In addition to the foldable iPhone, rumors suggest Apple is also working on a foldable MacBook-like device, which could start shipping around the same time. This move indicates Apple's broader strategy to integrate foldable technology across its product lines, potentially transforming user experiences and device portability.
