Apple likely to launch a foldable smartphone in 2026 with iPhone 18 series

Apple’s long-rumoured foldable iPhone, now informally dubbed the iPhone Fold, is reportedly set to arrive sooner than expected. If rumours are anything to go by, Apple may be potentially launching its first foldable iPhone with the iPhone 18 range. This new timeline suggests a release in 2026, a year ahead of the previously speculated 2027 date.

The concept of a foldable iPhone has been circulating for years, especially given that foldable phones from competitors like Samsung have already been in the market for years now. According to a report by Digitimes, a Taiwanese tech media outlet, Apple might have accelerated its development schedule.

The report indicates that Apple started formal research on foldable technology as early as 2004, coinciding with the signing of a contract with Samsung. Assuming Apple follows its usual two-year product development cycle, this positions the iPhone Fold for a 2026 release.

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Reports from various Korean media outlets suggest that Apple has now chosen a final design for the iPhone Fold. Unlike a book-style fold that opens into a larger screen, the iPhone Fold is expected to adopt a clamshell design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Flip.

This means the phone will fold top-down, with the top half covering the bottom half when closed. This design approach keeps the folded device compact and pocketable while retaining a regular-size iPhone form factor when opened.

A second report from The Information corroborates Digitimes’ details, adding that the folding iPhone has been codenamed “v68.” This report aligns with the predicted two-year development cycle and suggests that the device will maintain similar dimensions to current iPhones.

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There is no confirmation yet on whether the exterior of the folded iPhone will feature an additional screen, a design element seen in some other foldable phones.

One significant consideration in the design of the iPhone Fold is the overall thickness when folded. A regular iPhone folded in half would result in a chassis twice the thickness, potentially making the device bulkier than desired.

This has led to speculation that Apple may be working on a slimmer iPhone design to mitigate this issue.

Previously, there were reports that Apple might first introduce a foldable device in the form of an iPad mini. However, the latest information suggests that Apple now is now prioritising an iPhone Fold. This shift could be driven by market demand and the competitive landscape, where foldable phones are gaining popularity.

If Apple succeeds in launching the iPhone Fold by 2026, it would mark a significant milestone in the evolution of smartphones, potentially setting new standards for design and functionality in the foldable category. The success of such a device would also impact Apple’s positioning against competitors like Samsung, which has been a leader in foldable smartphone technology.

While the rumour of an upcoming iPhone Fold is still speculation at best, multiple reports from reputable outlets lend credibility to the timeline and design choices. But, as with any rumour, it’s important to approach these reports with caution.

However, given Apple’s history of innovation and the growing interest in foldable devices, the possibility of seeing an iPhone Fold in the near future is certainly intriguing. Whether it arrives in 2026 or later, the development of a foldable iPhone will be a significant step forward in mobile technology.