Apple could unveil itsfirst foldable iPhonein 2026 . Until now , many consider that this headphone would resemble the clamshell design of theSamsung Galaxy Z Fliprather than the largerGalaxy Z Fold .
However , Ross Young , an expert in the display diligence , indicate that if Apple announces a foldaway iPhone in two years , it will likely be more similar to the Galaxy Z Fold alternatively of the Galaxy Z Flip . On X , Young was asked , “ So if Apple finally joins the party in 2026 , will it be a Flip , a Fold , or both ? ” His answer was “ Fold . ”
This potential tidings arrives at a pivotal moment for the folding food market . Arecent reportfrom Young ’s Display Supply Chain Consultants ( DSCC ) designate that folding sales are gestate to grow by only 5 % this class , with a possible decline of 4 % in 2025 . Since 2019 , the market has experienced uniform twelvemonth - over - yr growth of at least 40 % , so these numbers game are surprising .
September 2026 is stillmanymonths aside , so it is too former to evaluate the credibility of the late rumor about Apple ’s potential first foldable gimmick . However , there are several reasons to believe that Apple is leaning toward a “ Fold ” design rather than a “ Flip ” one .
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& mdash ; Ross Young ( @DSCCRoss)December 2 , 2024
First , it appears that by 2026 , the public may be more receptive to an “ iPhone Fold ” than an “ iPhone Flip . ” According to the DSCC report , the Galaxy Z Fold 6 sales agreement are wait to stand out those of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 this yr . In contrast , sales for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 are project to slump by as much as 10 % compared to the Galaxy Z Flip 5 , despite the Z Flip being the bestselling foldable phone on the market .
Apple may also recognize the indigence to make a more significant impact as it enters the foldable phone marketplace , which it has approached cautiously until now . An iPhone Fold would feature a larger display , providing Apple with more design and feature opportunities as it explores this new segment . This move could potentially reinvigorate Apple ’s product lineup and attract drug user looking for versatile devices that mix functionality with tailor - edge design .
eventually , an iPhone Fold could benefit Apple ’s bottom line more , as it would in all probability allow for a higher price point . For context , the introduction - level Galaxy Z Flip 6 is price at $ 999 , while Samsung charges $ 1,799 for the least expensive Galaxy Z Fold 6 .
If you ca n’t hold off until late 2026 for Apple ’s first foldable sound to arrive , you will have another option that will go far next yr : the “ iPhone 17 zephyr . ” This phone is expected to be Apple ’s thinnest iPhone to escort and it will supercede the iPhone Plus in the overall iPhone series . The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be joined by the iPhone 17 , iPhone 17 Pro , and iPhone 17 Pro Max .
