Apple likely to launch first foldable iPhone in 2026
According to a February story from The Information, Apple is "actively working on prototypes" for two clamshell iPhone models, but it won't start manufacturing them until 2025
According to Apple tracker 9To5Mac, Cupertino-based Apple is likely to start mass production of a 20.3-inch foldable device by late 2025, with a foldable iPhone following by late 2026.
“Apple is ramping up its work on foldable devices, according to a new investor note seen by 9to5Mac. The report, from Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu, says that Apple will begin mass production of a 20.3-inch foldable device in late 2025, followed by a iPhone in late 2026,” the report said.
According to a February story from The Information, Apple is “actively working on prototypes” for two clamshell iPhone models, but it won’t start manufacturing them until 2025. According to a March report by supply chain expert Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is developing a 20.3-inch foldable MacBook, which it hopes to start producing in large quantities in 2027.
Display supply chain analyst Ross Young also mentioned that the gadget might be released in 2026 or 2027. Furthermore, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg said that Apple is “investigating a dual-screen, foldable MacBook/iPad hybrid.” Pu claims that Apple seems to be putting more effort into developing technology. According to the article, Apple’s efforts to develop foldable devices are becoming more widespread, supported by insights gathered from the supply chain.
According to the expert, these foldable devices will target the “ultra-high-end market,” possibly launching a new line of products for Apple. Apple is allegedly considering two different screen sizes for its foldable iPhone: 7.9 inches and 8.3 inches, according to 9To5Mac.
As of right now, Apple is the only well-known brand in the consumer technology sector without a foldable product, either for smartphones or not. Additionally, 9To5Mac issued a warning, saying that any other source has not verified this timetable and should be used with caution.
According to Counterpoint Research, the foldable smartphone market grew by 64% annually in the first quarter of 2023, despite a 14.2% year-over-year fall in the total smartphone market. According to a February 2024 analysis by Stellar Market Research, the market for foldable smartphones was valued at $27.7 billion in 2023. Forecasts suggest that the global market for smartphones is expected to see significant development, with a Compound Annual Development Rate (CAGR) of 24.9% between 2024 and 2030. By 2030, this trajectory would bring the market value close to $131.34 billion.
Meanwhile, Apple is set to host ‘Let Loose, a highly anticipated event on May 7, 2024, to showcase a new range of iPads and accessories. The event is set to be live-streamed on their official website and the Apple TV app at 10 am Pacific Time. Most likely, the new iPad Pro models will steal the show.
There are rumors that they will be the first to use an OLED panel. Comparing this improvement to the existing Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED screens, customers will enjoy a more vivid and engaging visual environment. It is anticipated that the new iPad Pros will be available in the standard 12.9- and 11-inch sizes.
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