The Android World appreciated foldable smartphones for six years, but Apple fans may soon be able to participate – a iPhone could arrive in 2026, according to a report from The Information.
The project, codenamed V68, is in the development phase and there is no guarantee that it will come to fruition, but the report says it has moved beyond the conceptual stage and suppliers are involved. This would be the first major design change Apple has made to its flagship since the launch of the new generation of smartphones. iPhone X in 2017. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the foldable iPhone report.
Apple’s move comes at a time when the popularity of foldable smartphones is skyrocketing around the world. Analyst firm Counterpoint Research reports that the foldable phone market increased by 49 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2024, its highest growth rate in six quarters. iPhone shipments were down 13% in the first quarter compared to the previous yearSo a foldable iPhone might be just what Apple needs to boost its sales.
But foldable phones aren’t just more popular, they’re also more mature. The latest models are far more refined and durable than the first, clunky attempts. Samsung has spent the last six years publicly refining its foldable phones, making small changes to the lineup each year. Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip seriesimproving screen durability and hinge reliability. These were the biggest flaws of the form factor in the early days of foldables, but advances in glass technology and hinge engineering have brought 2024 foldables closer to a level of quality that’s what you’d expect from a traditional smartphoneSamsung’s latest models have IP48 water and dust resistance ratingsand while it’s still not as dust resistant as its non-foldable counterparts, it comes a little closer.
Samsung may have the longest track record, but the competition is hot on its heels, with Huawei And Motorola seizing large market shares from Samsung and new devices OnePlus And Google competing for consumers’ attention. That means there’s more manufacturing capacity to make these foldable phones, even if they’re still expensive — while Motorola has a $700 foldable flip phone, Samsung just raised the price price of his cell phones.
All this action in the market makes it the perfect time for Apple to join the foldable fray.
Apple has reportedly been testing products in two sizes, but this approved project is for a foldable flip phone, much like Motorola’s Razr or Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip6. These types of flip phones allow you to enjoy a full-size smartphone, then fold it in half to fit in a pocket or bag. You get the same smartphone experience, but in a tiny form factor. There’s usually an external “protective screen,” and you can imagine Apple will likely create a way to access notifications, widgets, and even Siri (with its upcoming AI-Infused Improvements) there.
