Apple to Potentially Launch Foldable iPhone by 2026

Apple is reportedly gearing up to unveil a foldable iPhone by 2026, a move that could signify the most significant hardware design overhaul for the company’s flagship product. This development aligns with the trend set by Samsung Electronics, which launched its first foldable phone in 2019, aiming to captivate new customers with innovative design.

According to The Information, which cited sources familiar with the matter, Apple’s foldable iPhone has moved beyond the ideation stage. The company has initiated contact with suppliers in Asia to procure components for the device, which is internally codenamed V68.

The anticipated foldable iPhone, potentially featuring artificial intelligence capabilities, is expected to bolster demand for Apple’s products, especially as it contends with fierce competition from HONOR and Huawei in China and Samsung on a global scale.

In July, Samsung introduced its latest foldable smartphones, enhancing its premium models with lighter, slimmer designs and new AI functions. The global market for foldable smartphones saw a 49% growth in the first quarter compared to the previous year, marking the highest increase in six quarters. Notably, Huawei surpassed Samsung to claim the top position in the foldable smartphone market for the first time, according to a Counterpoint Research report from May.

In addition to the foldable iPhone, Apple plans to upgrade the camera system of at least one iPhone model. The enhancement would allow users to control the aperture size through a mechanical system, enabling the creation of a depth-of-field effect, as reported by The Information.

Despite these developments, The Information noted that there is no guarantee that Apple will release the foldable iPhone.

Main Image: iPhone in Canada