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Apple’s Foldable iPhone: Why It’s Still Years Away
- Apple’s foldable iPhone isn’t late—it’s just very fashionably delayed.
- While Samsung, Oppo, and Honor are sprinting ahead, Apple is still in planning mode.
- Foldable phones are heating up—so why is Apple taking its sweet time?
As the foldable smartphone market continues to heat up, Apple’s much-rumored entry into the segment remains in the works. While competitors like Samsung, Oppo, and Honor race to innovate with sleeker designs and enhanced functionality, Apple’s foldable iPhone—widely anticipated but yet to be unveiled—appears to be years away, according to industry experts.
Photo via 9to5Mac // A concept rendering of Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone.
Development Timeline: Pacing Behind the Curve
Respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently shared that Apple’s foldable iPhone remains firmly in the planning stages. In a Medium post, Kuo predicted the device is unlikely to launch before 2026, a timeline echoed by analysts Jeff Pu and TrendForce, who suggest a possible debut between 2026 and 2027. Apple’s hallmark for meticulous product refinement could be the primary reason for this extended development period.
Challenges on the Foldable Path
Apple’s hesitation reflects its commitment to delivering a polished and durable product. The company is reportedly addressing key technical challenges, including creating a foldable display free of visible creases and designing a robust folding mechanism to withstand long-term use.
Another consideration is Apple’s rumored decision to exclude physical SIM card support for its foldable device. While this aligns with Apple’s push toward eSIM technology, it could hinder adoption in markets like China, where eSIM usage remains limited.
The Foldable Frenzy: Competition in Overdrive
The foldable market, while still niche, is witnessing rapid advancements. Samsung has cemented its position as a leader with its Galaxy Z series, but challengers from China are closing the gap with innovative designs and competitive pricing.
- Honor Magic V3: Currently the slimmest foldable on the market at 4.4mm when unfolded and 9.2mm when folded.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold SE: A limited-edition model improving upon its predecessor’s dimensions with a folded thickness of 10.6mm and 4.9mm when open.
- Oppo Find N5: Rumored to push thinness even further, potentially setting a new industry standard with a 4mm thickness when unfolded.
Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to counter this competition, though the pressure to innovate has intensified as Honor and Oppo break new ground in form factor and functionality.
Photo via Good eReader // A concept image showing an alternative, book-like design for Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone.
What to Expect from Apple’s Foldable Strategy
Insider reports suggest Apple’s foldable—possibly codenamed “V68”—may adopt a clamshell design reminiscent of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series. A recent patent filing titled “Electronic Devices With Durable Folding Displays” hints at mechanisms to protect the display from impact damage by allowing it to fold slightly inward during a drop.
Apple’s foldable ambitions extend beyond phones. Speculation points to the development of foldable iPads and MacBooks, though these devices face their own technical hurdles. Analysts suggest such products may not debut until 2027 or later, further emphasizing Apple’s long-term commitment to refining the technology.
Balancing Foldables and AI Ambitions
While Apple’s foldable plans remain on the horizon, the company has shifted its immediate focus to generative AI. Features like the AI Camera Button in iOS 18, introduced alongside the iPhone 16 series, showcase this pivot. However, consumer surveys reveal lukewarm enthusiasm for AI features, which have yet to significantly impact iPhone sales.
Looking ahead, Kuo forecasts an 8% to 10% decline in iPhone shipments for 2025. Even the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, expected to launch next year, may struggle to reverse this trend due to its premium pricing and incremental upgrades.
The Road Ahead
Apple’s deliberate approach to foldable technology may ultimately result in a product that sets a new standard in the category. For now, however, foldable enthusiasts will need to turn to Samsung, Oppo, and Honor for the latest innovations as Apple continues to refine its vision for the future of foldable devices.
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