In an era where foldable phones have become a symbol of cutting-edge innovation, Apple remains an outlier. As of early 2025, Apple is the last major smartphone manufacturer without a foldable device in its lineup. Competitors like Samsung, Motorola, Google, Huawei, and even lesser-known brands like Oppo and Honor have released multiple generations of foldable phones, experimenting with everything from flip phones to tablet-sized foldables. Yet, Apple has stuck to its tried-and-true slab design, leaving many to wonder: where is the foldable iPhone?
Foldables Are Growing—Without Apple (For Now)
Samsung has led the charge with its Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series, now in their fifth generation. Motorola has revived its iconic Razr brand in a sleek foldable form. Even Google launched the Pixel Fold in 2023, joining the fray. These companies aren’t just releasing one-off products; they’re building ecosystems and iterating fast, learning from hardware limitations like crease durability, hinge mechanisms, and battery life.
According to market research firm Counterpoint, foldable smartphones are expected to surpass 55 million units in annual shipments by 2025. Samsung alone commands over 60% of this market. Meanwhile, Apple, typically a trendsetter, has been conspicuously absent. Some industry insiders say Apple’s strategy is simple: wait, watch, and perfect.
Apple’s Foldable iPhone: What We Know So Far
That wait might soon be over. According to reliable supply chain analyst Jeff Pu, Apple is currently in the prototyping phase for not one, but two foldable devices—an iPhone and an iPad. Reports suggest mass production could start as early as late 2026. If that timeline holds, Apple’s first foldable iPhone could hit shelves by the end of 2026 or early 2027.
The foldable iPhone is rumored to sport a book-style design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup. Unfolded, it may boast a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch cover display. Analysts speculate that Apple is pushing for an ultra-thin profile: just 4.5mm when unfolded and about 9mm when folded.
Unlike Samsung’s foldables that rely heavily on Face Unlock and under-display cameras, Apple’s approach could feature Touch ID embedded in the power button. This might be a practical decision, given the limited space and complex mechanics involved in a foldable form factor.
The Cost of Waiting (and Perfection)
There’s no sugarcoating it—Apple’s first foldable could be its most expensive iPhone ever. Estimates peg the starting price around $2,299, roughly 20% higher than Samsung’s current Galaxy Z Fold 5, which already pushes the $1,800 mark. But Apple’s strategy has never been about undercutting the competition. Instead, it focuses on polishing the user experience. That likely means Apple is working hard to solve persistent foldable challenges, including battery life, display durability, and hinge longevity.
In fact, reports indicate Apple is upgrading its display driver technology from a 28nm process to a 16nm one, allowing for better energy efficiency. Given the inherent battery constraints in foldable phones (two displays, complex hinges), this could be a game-changer in ensuring all-day battery life.
Apple Isn’t Just Thinking Phones
Apple’s ambitions with foldables may extend beyond the iPhone. Rumors suggest a foldable iPad is also in the works. This device could serve as a hybrid between a tablet and a laptop, with Apple Pencil support and productivity-focused features. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has previously hinted that Apple is exploring larger foldable displays in the 20-inch range—potentially blurring the line between an iPad and a MacBook.
Why the Delay?
Apple’s absence from the foldable market isn’t due to a lack of capability—it’s about timing. Apple’s hallmark has always been entering a category late, but with a product that redefines expectations. The iPhone wasn’t the first smartphone, but it was the first to deliver a seamless, touch-first experience. The Apple Watch wasn’t the first smartwatch, but it now dominates the category by offering a polished ecosystem.
With foldables, Apple seems to be taking the same approach. Competing devices have suffered from screen creases, fragile hinges, and compromised battery life. Apple appears intent on solving these problems before bringing its own device to market.
The Bottom Line
Apple’s foldable phone is shaping up to be a significant design shift—the biggest since the original iPhone. But it’s coming late to a crowded, fast-evolving space. Whether Apple can redefine foldables the same way it redefined smartphones remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the world is watching, and expectations couldn’t be higher.
Key Takeaways
- Apple is developing both foldable iPhone and iPad models expected to launch by late 2026.
- Mass production of Apple’s first foldable devices will likely begin in the second half of 2026.
- The introduction of foldable products aims to reinvigorate iPhone sales and respond to market innovation from competitors.
The Evolution of Apple’s Product Line
Apple has consistently redefined consumer technology through strategic product innovations. The company’s approach to product development has always balanced innovation with user experience, setting the stage for its potential entry into the foldable device market.
From iPhone to iPad: A Legacy of Innovation
The iPhone‘s launch in 2007 revolutionized the smartphone industry with its touchscreen interface and app ecosystem. This groundbreaking device eliminated physical keyboards and introduced multi-touch technology that changed how people interact with mobile devices.
Apple followed this success with the iPad in 2010, creating a new category between smartphones and laptops. The tablet extended Apple’s design philosophy to a larger form factor while maintaining the intuitive iOS experience.
Throughout the years, Apple has refined these product lines through incremental improvements. The iPhone Pro series introduced professional-grade cameras and displays, while the iPad Pro blurred the line between tablets and laptops with the addition of the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.
Adapting to Foldable Technology
Apple’s cautious approach to foldable technology stands in contrast to competitors like Samsung, who released multiple generations of foldable phones. This measured strategy aligns with Apple’s historical pattern of perfecting technologies before adoption.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple plans to enter the foldable market by late 2026 or early 2027. The company’s first foldable iPhone could cost over $2,000, positioning it as a premium device in Apple’s lineup.
Apple faces unique challenges in adapting its software ecosystem to folding form factors. iOS and iPadOS would need significant redesigns to take advantage of expanding displays while maintaining Apple’s signature simplicity.
The company’s focus on supply chain excellence and material science will be crucial for creating durable hinges and flexible displays that meet Apple’s quality standards.
Challenges and Expectations for Apple’s Foldable Devices
Apple faces significant hurdles as it prepares to enter the foldable device market, while consumers and industry analysts maintain high expectations for the company’s first folding products expected by 2026.
Breaking Into the Foldable Market
Apple stands as the last major smartphone manufacturer without a foldable device in its lineup. Samsung, Huawei, and other competitors have already gone through multiple generations of folding phones, giving them valuable experience in this segment.
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests Apple’s foldable iPhone could feature an inner display up to 8 inches, offering users a compact phone that unfolds into a tablet-like experience. This would position Apple’s first foldable between a phone and iPad in terms of functionality.
The company’s cautious approach reflects its traditional strategy of perfecting technology rather than being first to market. Tim Cook’s leadership has emphasized maintaining Apple’s premium brand image over rushing products.
Apple likely aims to avoid the early problems that plagued Samsung’s first Galaxy Fold, including screen failures and durability issues.
Technical Hurdles and Display Innovations
Creating a foldable device that meets Apple’s quality standards presents significant engineering challenges. Display technology remains the primary obstacle, as Apple needs to develop screens that can fold repeatedly without showing creases or failing.
According to supply chain reports, Apple is working with display suppliers to develop custom foldable OLED panels that maintain color accuracy and brightness across the folding area.
Integrating Apple’s FaceID technology into a folding form factor presents another challenge, especially with the complex hinge mechanisms required.
Battery life optimization for larger screens will require innovative power management solutions. Apple must balance performance with the physical constraints of a folding device.
The company also faces challenges integrating its AI features into the new form factor while maintaining the performance standards iPhone users expect.
Market Predictions and Competitor Analysis
Analysts predict Apple’s entry could reshape the foldable market despite its late arrival. The company’s first foldable devices are expected to enter mass production in the second half of 2026, according to research from GF Securities.
Market experts suggest Apple’s foldable strategy may target declining iPhone sales, especially as the traditional smartphone market saturates. A successful foldable could reinvigorate Apple’s product cycle.
Samsung currently dominates the foldable market with approximately 70% market share. Huawei and other Chinese manufacturers have captured much of the remaining market with increasingly sophisticated offerings.
Pricing will be crucial for Apple’s success. Current foldable phones typically command premium prices above $1,500, positioning them as luxury devices.
Apple’s ecosystem advantage could differentiate its foldables from competitors, with seamless integration between foldable iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks potentially offering unique use cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apple’s journey toward a foldable iPhone involves complex technological challenges, market considerations, and competitive pressures. The company faces unique hurdles while consumers eagerly anticipate how Apple might reinvent the foldable category.
What are the technological barriers for Apple in creating a foldable phone?
Apple faces several key challenges in developing a foldable iPhone. The most significant hurdle is creating a durable folding display that meets Apple’s quality standards.
Display crease issues, which plague many current foldable phones, likely present an obstacle Apple wants to overcome before launch. The company must also design a hinge mechanism that allows for repeated folding without degradation.
Battery technology presents another challenge, as Apple needs to create power solutions that work efficiently in a folding form factor while maintaining the battery life iPhone users expect.
How might a foldable iPhone impact Apple’s position in the smartphone market?
A foldable iPhone could help Apple recapture innovation leadership in the smartphone industry. As the last major manufacturer without a foldable device, Apple has lost ground in this category to Samsung, Motorola, and Chinese brands.
The introduction of a foldable could boost iPhone sales, which have faced pressure in recent years. Analysts suggest this new form factor might attract both loyal Apple customers and new users seeking cutting-edge technology.
A successful foldable device could strengthen Apple’s ecosystem by creating new use cases that bridge smartphone and tablet experiences.
What features can consumers anticipate from Apple’s future foldable devices?
Apple’s foldable will likely feature a refined version of iOS specifically optimized for the folding display. This could include new multitasking capabilities and app interfaces that transform between phone and tablet modes.
The device will probably maintain Apple’s focus on premium materials and build quality. Expect advanced camera systems that leverage the folding form factor for new photography and video capabilities.
Apple will likely introduce unique features that differentiate its foldable from competitors, potentially including better screen technology, innovative hinge designs, or new input methods.
Are there any confirmed reports on the development stage of Apple’s foldable phone?
Apple has not officially confirmed development of a foldable iPhone. However, multiple reliable analysts report that Apple is targeting mass production in the second half of 2026.
Recent patents filed by Apple show the company is actively exploring foldable display technologies. These patents cover innovations in flexible displays, hinges, and protective layers for folding screens.
Supply chain reports indicate Apple has been working with display manufacturers to develop custom folding screens that meet its strict quality requirements.
How does Apple’s approach to creating a foldable phone differ from its competitors?
Apple typically enters new product categories later than competitors but aims to deliver more refined experiences. With foldables, Apple appears to be waiting until the technology matures rather than rushing to market.
While Samsung and others have released multiple generations of foldable phones, Apple seems focused on solving fundamental issues like display creasing and durability before launching its first model.
Apple’s approach likely involves deeper integration between hardware and software, creating a more cohesive user experience than what competitors currently offer.
What has been Apple’s official stance on the delay in producing a foldable phone?
Apple has maintained its characteristic silence regarding foldable phones. The company has not publicly acknowledged development plans or explained its absence from the foldable market.
Tim Cook and other Apple executives have consistently avoided discussing future products in specific terms. When asked about foldables, they typically emphasize Apple’s focus on creating products that meaningfully improve users’ lives.
Industry observers note this silence aligns with Apple’s standard practice of not discussing products until they’re ready for announcement, typically maintaining secrecy until formal unveiling events.
