Apple to launch first foldable iPhone with iPhone 18 series; Here's everything we know

After years of anticipation, Apple appears to be preparing to launch its first-ever foldable iPhone, reportedly set to debut alongside the iPhone 18 series in 2026. The device is expected to adopt a clamshell design akin to popular foldables like the Galaxy Z Flip and Motorola Razr, offering a sleek and compact form that folds down to fit snugly in pockets.

The buzz around a foldable iPhone has been growing for years, with Apple fans eager to see how the tech giant would tackle this increasingly popular trend. Alongside the foldable iPhone, Apple is also said to be working on a larger foldable iPad that could double as a laptop, but all signs point to the clamshell iPhone making its debut first. This move could position Apple as a game-changer in the foldable market, which has seen its growth slow in recent years.

Bigger display and bold design

The foldable iPhone is rumoured to feature a display larger than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, reportedly offering at least 7 inches of screen real estate when unfolded. This would make it ideal for users who crave a bigger display without compromising portability. Meanwhile, the foldable iPad, which is still in development, is said to boast a 20-inch screen that rivals some desktop monitors, highlighting Apple’s ambition to lead in the foldable tech space.

However, creating a foldable device that meets Apple’s high standards has not been without challenges. The company has reportedly faced hurdles in reducing visible creases on the screen, enhancing the durability of hinges, and developing a sturdy yet flexible material for the foldable display. Apple’s cautious approach reflects its commitment to delivering a premium, polished product. This meticulousness, while time-consuming, ensures that the foldable iPhone is as innovative and reliable as users expect from the brand.

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Reviving a slowing foldable market

Foldable smartphones, once hailed as the next big thing in mobile tech, have seen their growth slow significantly. According to Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), the market enjoyed impressive annual growth of 40 per cent between 2019 and 2023, but this is expected to drop to just 5 per cent in 2024. By 2025, the foldable smartphone segment could even face a decline, with demand levelling off at around 22 million units annually.

Apple’s entry into this market could revitalise it. The brand’s strong reputation for innovation and its fiercely loyal customer base might inject new life into the foldable segment. Many consumers admire foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Flip but hesitate to leave the Apple ecosystem. A foldable iPhone could be the perfect solution, combining Apple’s hallmark quality and design with the allure of foldable technology.

Expected launch

The foldable iPhone is slated for release in the second half of 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 lineup. Reports suggest the project, codenamed V68, has progressed beyond the prototyping stage, indicating that Apple is making steady headway. While delays could still happen, the timeline suggests that Apple fans might finally have a foldable iPhone in their hands within the next few years.

This launch could prove pivotal for both Apple and the industry at large. By entering the foldable market, Apple has the potential to redefine the segment and set new standards for what foldable devices can achieve. If successful, the foldable iPhone could not only boost Apple’s portfolio but also reignite consumer interest in foldable technology, making it a win-win for everyone involved.

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