Apple’s First Foldable iPhone: A Comprehensive Look at What’s Coming in 2026
Apple has long been one of the most anticipated players in the tech world when it comes to innovation, particularly in the smartphone space. Despite its significant influence in the mobile industry, Apple has notably lagged behind competitors in the foldable phone market. While other smartphone giants, particularly Samsung, have already launched multiple generations of foldable devices, Apple has largely sat out the trend, leaving consumers and tech enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the day when the Cupertino-based company would unveil its first foldable device.
Samsung, with its Z Fold and Z Flip series, has set the bar for foldable smartphones. These devices have now reached their seventh iterations, and every year, the company refines the technology, offering more durable hinges, better screens, and improved overall designs. This progression in foldable technology has caused many to wonder when Apple would enter the foldable phone market, especially given that the company is known for taking its time with product categories before introducing its own take.
However, Apple’s approach to foldable technology is now becoming clearer, thanks to leaks and insights provided by trusted industry analysts and sources. Rumors, reports, and even direct confirmations suggest that the first iPhone Fold could arrive as soon as 2026. But what will this device look like? How will it compare to existing foldables on the market? And, most importantly, will Apple’s foray into the foldable phone market be worth the wait?
Apple’s Foldable Phone Strategy: The Long Road to 2026
Apple’s journey toward a foldable phone has been long and deliberate. For years, the company has been rumored to be working on foldable technology, but no definitive product has yet been released. This cautious approach is typical of Apple, as the company prefers to refine new technology and ensure a polished user experience before making a major release. While some critics have argued that Apple was missing the boat by not releasing a foldable sooner, others have pointed to the company’s track record of delivering exceptional products once they are ready.
The foldable phone category has been around for some time, but it took Samsung’s Z Fold and Z Flip devices to push foldable tech into the mainstream. In fact, Samsung is expected to launch the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 by August 2025, and these devices will mark the culmination of nearly a decade of foldable phone development. This means that by the time Apple launches its foldable iPhone, Samsung’s foldables will already be in their seventh generation, with all the refinements and improvements that come with years of iteration.
However, as we know, Apple is rarely the first to adopt new technologies. Instead, the company prefers to wait until it has perfected a technology before integrating it into its products. This is evident in Apple’s approach to 5G, wireless charging, and even OLED screens, all of which were introduced into the iPhone lineup only after other companies had already adopted them. In a similar vein, Apple’s first foldable phone may not break any new ground in terms of the foldable concept, but it will likely refine and improve upon the designs that other companies have already introduced.
What We Know About the iPhone Fold
So, what can we expect from the first iPhone Fold? According to several reliable sources, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who has a strong track record of predicting Apple-related developments, the foldable iPhone will likely be launched in 2026. While the timeline is still tentative, Apple’s timeline for product development usually follows a predictable pattern, so it’s safe to say that 2026 is a realistic timeframe.
A Book-Style Design
One of the most significant pieces of information about the iPhone Fold is its design. While Samsung’s foldable devices are known for their clamshell and flip-style form factors, Apple’s foldable is expected to adopt a more traditional book-style design. This design will allow the device to unfold into a larger screen, much like Samsung’s Z Fold lineup. The book-style foldable is expected to feature a 7.8-inch inner display that will unfold to provide a larger screen area for productivity, media consumption, and multitasking. On the outside, there is likely to be a smaller 5.5-inch outer display that can be used for quick notifications, messages, and other basic tasks when the phone is folded.
The decision to adopt a book-style design is not entirely surprising. Apple is known for favoring minimalism and functionality over novelty, and the book-style foldable is the most straightforward approach to creating a device that combines the compactness of a phone with the expansive screen size of a tablet. This design has become the standard for many foldables on the market, and Apple’s approach will likely focus on creating a high-quality display with durable materials that ensure the device is both functional and reliable.
Design Similarities with the iPhone 17 Air
According to analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone Fold is expected to share similarities with the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, which is anticipated to be one of the thinnest iPhones ever made. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to measure just 5.5mm thick, making it thinner than the previous thinnest iPhone, which was 6.9mm thick. If Apple follows the same design approach for the foldable iPhone, we could see a device that is not only sleek and stylish but also incredibly thin, particularly when folded. This would give the iPhone Fold a striking and modern look, setting it apart from other foldable phones that tend to be thicker and bulkier.
While the thickness of a foldable device is crucial to its portability, Apple will also need to ensure that the iPhone Fold is durable and can withstand the wear and tear associated with foldable devices. Durability will be one of the key factors that Apple will focus on when designing the iPhone Fold, as foldable devices have historically been more prone to screen creases, hinge issues, and other problems related to their complex mechanisms.
Liquid Metal Hinges
Another major innovation expected in the iPhone Fold is the use of liquid metal for the hinges. Liquid metal is a material known for its strength and durability, and it is often used in high-end devices where precision and reliability are essential. Apple has been experimenting with liquid metal for years, and its inclusion in the iPhone Fold could be a game-changer, providing a hinge mechanism that is both strong and flexible. This would ensure that the foldable device opens and closes smoothly while also providing added durability.
The liquid metal hinges could help mitigate one of the major concerns associated with foldable devices: the longevity of the hinge. Many early foldable phones faced issues with the hinges wearing out over time, leading to potential malfunctions or breakages. By using liquid metal, Apple could ensure that the iPhone Fold’s hinge remains reliable for years, even with frequent use.
Display and Performance
In terms of display, the iPhone Fold is expected to feature a 7.8-inch inner screen, which will be a significant upgrade over the small screens found on traditional smartphones. This larger screen will provide more real estate for multitasking, media consumption, and other productivity tasks. It’s unclear whether Apple will use OLED or AMOLED technology for the display, but given the company’s preference for high-quality displays, it’s likely that the iPhone Fold will feature a vibrant, color-accurate display with excellent contrast and deep blacks.
In terms of performance, the iPhone Fold will likely be powered by one of Apple’s most advanced processors, such as the A18 or A19 chip. This would ensure that the device is fast and capable of handling the multitasking demands of a foldable phone. The device will likely feature 5G connectivity, ensuring fast download speeds and seamless communication with other devices and networks.
Thickness and Durability
When folded, the iPhone Fold is expected to measure around 9.5mm thick, which is still relatively compact for a foldable device. When unfolded, the thickness is expected to reduce to around 4.5mm, making the device thinner than most current smartphones. This reduction in thickness could help the iPhone Fold achieve a sleek, modern design that appeals to users who want a device that is both portable and functional.
Durability will also be a significant focus for the iPhone Fold. The device will need to be resistant to scratches, dents, and other forms of damage, especially around the hinge area, which is typically a vulnerable part of foldable phones. Apple is likely to use high-quality materials, such as ceramic or titanium, to ensure that the iPhone Fold remains durable and resilient over time.
Conclusion: The Wait for the iPhone Fold
While Apple’s first foldable iPhone may not be arriving until 2026, the anticipation surrounding the device is already palpable. Given the company’s meticulous approach to design and innovation, the iPhone Fold will likely set a new standard for foldable smartphones when it is finally released. With a sleek, book-style design, durable liquid metal hinges, and an advanced display, the iPhone Fold will likely offer a refined and polished take on foldable technology.
Although the iPhone Fold will be entering a market that is already populated by several generations of foldable devices from Samsung and other manufacturers, Apple’s ability to perfect the design and user experience will likely give it an edge in terms of both performance and reliability. Whether or not the iPhone Fold will be able to surpass the offerings from competitors remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Apple’s first foldable phone will be a major event in the tech world, and the wait for it will undoubtedly be worth it.
