Apple's Foldable iPhone Set for 2026 Launch

Apple is advancing development on its first foldable iPhone, a book-style device expected to launch in late 2026, according to multiple reports from industry analysts and supply chain sources. The smartphone, often referred to in rumors as the iPhone Fold, would mark the company's entry into the growing foldable market dominated by Samsung and others, featuring a design that unfolds into a compact tablet-like form.

The device is anticipated to debut alongside the iPhone 18 series in the fall of 2026, though some projections indicate primary shipments could extend into 2027 if manufacturing challenges arise. When folded, it would resemble a traditional smartphone with a 5.5-inch outer display, measuring shorter and wider than current iPhones for a squarer profile. Unfolded, the inner screen would span 7.7 to 7.8 inches, approaching the size of an iPad mini but optimized for portability. Thickness is projected at 9 to 11 millimeters when closed and 4.5 to 5.6 millimeters when open, drawing comparisons to the slim chassis of recent iPhone models.

Key innovations center on the display and hinge to address common foldable drawbacks. Apple plans to source crease-minimizing OLED panels...