Recent reports indicate Apple’s interest in joining the foldable device market. While the company hasn’t confirmed these plans, speculation suggests a foldable iPhone could launch as early as 2026, potentially followed by a foldable iPad.
Leaked schematics and patents hint at a clamshell design for the iPhone Fold, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip, but with Apple’s signature minimalist aesthetics. The device is rumored to unfold into a standard-sized iPhone, providing a larger screen for media consumption and productivity while remaining pocketable when folded. Industry insiders anticipate a flexible OLED display with a high refresh rate for smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals.
The screen is expected to be durable and crease-resistant, addressing concerns about the longevity of foldable displays. Apple’s custom silicon, likely a variant of the A-series chip found in iPhones, is expected to power the device. Expect top-tier performance, long battery life, and optimized software for the foldable form factor. iOS, Apple’s mobile operating system, will likely receive a major update to support the unique features of the foldable iPhone, with enhanced multitasking capabilities, split-screen apps, and new ways to interact with the larger display.
While details about the foldable iPad are even scarcer, speculation suggests a larger device aimed at professionals and creatives. A foldable iPad could offer a massive canvas for artists, a portable workstation for business users, and a versatile media consumption device for everyone. The folding iPad has been rumored almost as equally as the iPhone Fold, with it offering basically the same concept but in a larger form.
It is projected to feature a 20.3-inch display when unfolded. Interestingly, the foldable iPad could also serve as a replacement for the iPad mini, potentially offering a 7-inch or 8-inch display in its folded state, thus providing a compact form factor with the benefits of a larger screen when needed. However, concerns about display durability have pushed the timeline back to 2026, according to Haitong Securities analyst Jeff Pu. This delay aligns with the development of foldable iPhones, with mass production also expected to start in 2026.
Amidst these developments, Pu also discusses the prospect of the iPhone 17 Slim, a thinner version of the iPhone that could replace the Plus model. The iPhone 17 Slim is expected to start at around $1,299, making it the most expensive iPhone to date, yet it promises a sleek, ultra-thin design with an A19 chip and 8 GB of RAM. Despite potential concerns about its power and price compared to the iPhone 17 Pro, this model could attract users ready for an upgrade from their 2021–2023 devices.
(via BGR)
