iPhone's foldable model holds potential allure, despite Samsung's lead in the field
Apple Rumored to Unveil Foldable iPhone in 2026
Rumors are swirling about Apple's upcoming foray into the foldable smartphone market, with production reportedly set to begin in early 2026. The anticipated release of a foldable iPhone, despite foldable phones being available from brands like Samsung, Oppo, and Google for several years, can be attributed to several strategic and technological reasons unique to Apple.
Apple's cautious approach to adopting new technology is evident in their adoption of OLED display technology for iPhones. They only adopted this technology in 2017 with the iPhone X, despite OLED being available in other phones earlier. This strategic move shows Apple's commitment to waiting for technology to meet their high-quality standards, particularly for display quality and durability essential for foldable screens.
Recent reports indicate that Apple is working on an inward-folding, book-style design with a "crease-free" display. This is enabled by advances in the hinge mechanism and display manufacturing, aiming to minimize the common weaknesses seen in current foldable phones.
Apple also plans to leverage iOS 27 with specific software features optimized for the foldable form factor. This suggests significant investment beyond hardware to deliver a compelling user experience that integrates seamlessly with Apple's ecosystem.
The foldable iPhone is expected to have an integrated touch sensor in the display panel and a high resolution 13:9 aspect ratio. The outer screen is expected to be 5.49 inches, while the inner OLED display is expected to be a substantial 7.76 inches. The front screen, however, is expected to be smaller at 5.5-inches, a size compared to current Apple devices.
The predicted release year for the foldable iPhone is 2026. If released as planned, production is expected to ramp up in early 2026. The rumored iPhone Fold could be a hybrid device with the outer screen using iOS 27 and the inner display working on iPad OS 27.
Decisions about screen refresh rate and software functionality for the rumored iPhone Fold are yet to be made. The resolution rumor of 428 pixels per inch (PPI) for the inner screen is a high resolution for a foldable, potentially the highest in the market. However, the under-screen selfie camera might not be a feature of the rumored iPhone Fold, and the Dynamic Island, which houses the front-facing sensors and cameras, may not be integrated under the screen due to potential lower quality.
The popularity of foldable phones is on the rise, with the design considered one of the last major smartphone design shifts left to happen. All brands are expected to join the trend eventually. Greater investment from foldable display component suppliers like Fine M-Tec is improving their processes to allow for crease-free displays.
The rumored iPhone Fold, if released, could revolutionize the smartphone market, much like the significant impact the iPhone 6 Plus had a decade ago. By entering the foldable market later, Apple aims to capitalize on a proven concept with its own refined approach, hoping to create new consumer excitement and invigorate iPhone sales. The rumored iPhone Fold is expected to be a bold hardware innovation that could set new standards for foldable phones.
- With the anticipated release of a foldable iPhone in 2026, Apple is set to join the ranks of Samsung, Oppo, and Google in the foldable smartphone market, leveraging technology that has been available for several years.
- The rumored iPhone Fold, if released, may potentially revolutionize the smartphone market, offering a hybrid device complete with elite gadgets such as an inward-folding, book-style design and a high-resolution 13:9 aspect ratio smartphone screen.
