After years of speculation, it seems Apple is on the verge of unveiling its much-anticipated foldable iPhone. Reports indicate that Apple is developing two foldable devices: a clamshell foldable iPhone and a massive 20-inch foldable iPad, with the iPhone set to launch first.
Screen Features
The upcoming foldable iPhone is expected to showcase a clamshell design, similar to the Galaxy Z Flip or Motorola Razr, providing a traditional phone display that folds inwards for increased portability.
According to recent insights from The Wall Street Journal, the foldable iPhone is anticipated to have a screen larger than that of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, suggesting a display size of at least 7 inches:
Insiders revealed that Apple is working on two foldable devices. One will be a larger model aimed to function as a laptop, offering a nearly 19-inch screen size, while a smaller version will unfold into a display that surpasses the dimensions of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, designed for the foldable iPhone.
Apple faces several internal challenges in creating a foldable device, including minimizing crease visibility, enhancing the hinge design, and selecting the right materials for the display cover. The company aims to resolve these issues before launching the product.
The Foldable Market Trend
The introduction of Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to revitalize a struggling foldable market, as noted by Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC).
The foldable market experienced an impressive annual growth rate of 40% from 2019 to 2023. However, projections indicate a significant slowdown, with only about 5% growth expected in 2024, followed by a potential sales decline starting in 2025:
According to the DSCC’s report on the foldable and rollable/slidable display market across all applications, the foldable smartphone sector has encountered stagnation. Following substantial growth of at least 40% per year from 2019 to 2023, the foldable smartphone display market is expected to see just a 5% increase in 2024, with a 4% decline anticipated in 2025. Demand currently hovers around 22 million panels.
Despite this, experts believe that Apple’s entry into the foldable space could spur a rapid rise in demand, as the company is known for introducing novel functionalities. Many users have expressed enthusiasm for the Galaxy Z Flip concept but have been loath to abandon their iPhones.
Expected Release Date
Multiple sources suggest that Apple’s first foldable iPhone is set to launch in the latter half of 2026, likely in conjunction with the iPhone 18 series. This timeline assumes no further developmental setbacks. In mid-2024, Apple designated the project with the codename V68, indicating that the project is beyond the prototyping phase, and it should soon become a reality.
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