Details remain scarce, but Pu’s research note with GF Securities suggests Apple is working on two distinct foldable devices. The foldable iPhone, long the subject of rumors, is expected to feature an inner display of up to 8 inches—offering a compact phone that unfolds into a tablet-like experience. Alongside it, a foldable iPad could boast a screen as large as 19 inches, positioning it as a versatile hybrid for productivity and entertainment. While Pu didn’t specify exact designs, these align with prior speculation: a clamshell-style iPhone akin to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip, and a larger book-style echoing the Galaxy Z Fold.
This dual approach reflects Apple’s cautious yet ambitious entry into the market. Unlike competitors who rushed to launch foldables, Apple appears focused on refining the technology—particularly addressing common pain points like display creases and durability. The company’s meticulous process could pay off, setting its devices apart in a crowded field.
Why 2026? Timing and Challenges
Mass production in the second half of 2026 places Apple years behind rivals like Samsung and Huawei, who’ve iterated on foldables since 2019. However, this delay underscores Apple’s methodical pace. Early prototyping is slated to begin in April 2025, giving engineers time to perfect the hinge mechanisms and crease-free displays that have plagued other foldables. Reports from outlets like ETNews suggest Apple has cracked the code on eliminating visible creases, potentially using new materials to achieve a seamless look—a feat that could redefine user expectations.
The timeline also hints at broader market dynamics. Pu notes a “lukewarm” outlook for iPhone shipments in 2025, partly due to delayed Siri upgrades now pushed to 2026. Foldables could be Apple’s ace to reignite growth, especially as the smartphone market matures and foldable interest wanes among some consumers. By waiting, Apple might avoid the first-gen pitfalls that competitors faced, delivering a polished product ready for mainstream adoption.
What It Means for Users
For tech enthusiasts and casual users alike, Apple’s foldables promise practical benefits. A foldable iPhone could merge the portability of a phone with the screen real estate of an iPad Mini—ideal for multitasking, gaming, or watching videos on the go. The larger foldable iPad, meanwhile, could appeal to professionals needing a laptop-like device that folds down to a tablet’s footprint. Both would leverage Apple’s ecosystem, integrating seamlessly with iOS and iPadOS to enhance everyday workflows.
Yet challenges loom. Foldables historically command premium prices—think $1,800 or more for a Galaxy Z Fold. Apple’s penchant for high-end positioning suggests its versions won’t be cheap, potentially limiting early adoption. Durability, too, remains a question mark; folding screens are more prone to wear than rigid ones, and Apple will need to ensure its devices withstand daily use without compromising on quality.
The Bigger Picture
Apple’s foldable push comes as it navigates a pivotal moment. With iPhone sales plateauing and competitors doubling down on AI and flexible displays, these devices could signal a bold evolution. They also tie into broader rumors of a design overhaul across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS in 2025, hinting at a cohesive vision for Apple’s future. Whether foldables become a niche experiment or a category-defining hit, their arrival will test Apple’s ability to innovate without losing its core appeal.
As production ramps up, all eyes will be on Cupertino. If Apple delivers on its reputation for refinement, 2026 could mark the start of a new chapter in mobile tech—one that bends the rules, literally and figuratively.
