Hi, this is Technologytodaynow. There has been news that development of Apple’s first foldable iPhone is underway, scheduled for release in 2026. With Samsung Electronics and other companies introducing foldable phones, Apple has maintained its existing stick-shaped iPhone design. However, with iPhone sales slowing due to reduced demand in the Chinese market, Apple appears to be emphasizing new form factors.
A foldable iPhone is on target for a 2026 release.
Foldable iPhone development status
According to news so far, Apple is aiming to launch a foldable iPhone in 2026, and is developing a product that will be the size of an existing iPhone when fully opened. This foldable iPhone will reportedly have a similar shape to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip. Apple has been working on it in earnest since this year, and at this point it looks like it will be Apple’s first foldable device, but depending on how things go, the launch could be pushed back a year or so.
Cooperation with patents for foldable iPhone
Apple has not publicly mentioned the rollout of foldable devices, but it seems to be accelerating its development by actively acquiring related patents. More recently, rumors that Apple is preparing a foldable iPhone began to circulate earlier this year. This is likely why they signed a deal with Samsung Display to supply foldable displays. However, Apple takes two years to prepare a new product, so it could be released in 2026, depending on the timing of component orders.
Slowing iPhone sales and the need for a foldable iPhone
Initially, it was expected within the industry that Apple would be the first to release a foldable iPad. This is because Apple wanted to understand the market’s reaction and know-how through foldable iPads because iPhones account for more than half of sales. However, with iPhone demand in China declining, Apple appears to have sought a new strategy.
iPhone sales in China were down 19% year-over-year, which played a big role in Apple’s iPhone revenue decline.
Apple’s launch of foldable phones is likely intended to increase overall iPhone demand by diversifying consumer choices.
Impact on Samsung Electronics
If Apple launches a foldable iPhone, Samsung is expected to take a hit.
Samsung launched its first foldable phone in 2019 and has remained the number one in the foldable phone market until this year.
It recently introduced its sixth series of foldable phones, leading the market.
On the other hand, while Apple’s foldable iPhone may threaten Samsung Electronics’ market position, I think that sales of Galaxy foldable phones could increase as the foldable phone market grows.
When Apple’s first foldable iPhone is released in 2026, the market for foldable phones will become even more competitive.
We can’t wait to see what innovative technologies and designs Apple will surprise the market with.