Apple is finally making its move into the foldable smartphone market, and reports suggest that its first foldable iPhone will launch in 2026. This will put it in direct competition with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8, expected to release in the same year. Although Apple is arriving late to the foldable race, analysts believe the company is strategically preparing to offer a premium and highly refined foldable device that could set new standards in the industry.
The latest update on Apple’s foldable iPhone comes from Jeff Pu of GF Securities, who reports that Apple is set to begin mass production in the second half of 2026. Earlier, well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that the foldable iPhone would cost over $2,000, making it one of the most expensive smartphones ever launched.
While Apple has dominated the smartphone industry with its iPhones, it has lagged behind competitors like Samsung and Huawei when it comes to foldable display technology. However, the company’s first foldable iPhone could bring a significant shift in the market, potentially reshaping customer expectations and challenging Samsung’s dominance in the foldable segment.
Samsung’s Head Start in the Foldable Phone Market
Samsung was the first company to introduce a commercially available foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold 5G, nearly six years ago. Since then, Samsung has continued to refine and improve its foldable lineup, with its latest models offering better durability, improved hinge mechanisms, and optimized user experiences.
By 2026, Samsung will likely launch the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which will serve as a direct competitor to Apple’s first foldable iPhone. The Z Fold series has established itself as a leader in the foldable phone industry, thanks to Samsung’s strong R&D capabilities and early market entry.
Although Apple is entering the foldable market eight years later, industry experts believe that Apple’s late arrival is strategic. Apple typically waits for a technology to mature before introducing its own version, ensuring that it delivers a polished and high-quality product. This is evident from past launches like the Apple Watch and AirPods, both of which arrived after competitors had already introduced similar products but still dominated their respective markets.
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Foldable iPhone Specifications and Features (Expected)
Reports indicate that the first foldable iPhone will have the following features:
7.8-inch inner foldable display – This will be comparable to the Galaxy Z Fold series and will allow a tablet-like experience when unfolded.
5.5-inch outer display – A secondary screen for quick interactions, notifications, and standard smartphone use.
Premium pricing – The expected price will be above $2,000, making it one of the most expensive iPhones ever launched.
High-end durability – Apple is likely to focus on hinge durability and screen protection to avoid issues seen in early Samsung foldable phones.
Apple Intelligence integration – Apple’s suite of AI-powered features will likely be a key selling point for the foldable iPhone.
Apple has always been highly secretive about upcoming devices, so additional details are expected to emerge closer to the launch date.
Why Is Apple Entering the Foldable Market Now?
Apple’s decision to launch a foldable iPhone is believed to be influenced by multiple factors:
Declining iPhone sales – Reports indicate that iPhone 16 series demand has been lower than expected, leading Apple to seek new innovations that could attract customers.
Consumer interest in foldables – The foldable phone market is growing rapidly, with Samsung, Huawei, and other brands seeing increased adoption.
Expansion of Apple’s product ecosystem – A foldable iPhone could seamlessly integrate with iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, offering new software experiences.
Technological readiness – Apple may have perfected foldable screen durability and battery optimization, allowing it to introduce a superior foldable experience.
While Samsung remains the leader in foldable technology, Apple’s entry could create stiff competition, especially among premium customers.
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Apple’s Future Foldable Plans: Foldable iPad and Mac?
In addition to the foldable iPhone, Apple is reportedly developing an 18-inch foldable device. This could be introduced as a foldable iPad or even a foldable Mac.
Foldable iPad: If Apple releases a foldable iPad, it would redefine the tablet experience, offering both a laptop-sized screen and a compact form factor.
Foldable Mac: A foldable Mac could replace traditional laptops, featuring an all-screen design with a virtual keyboard and trackpad.
Apple’s focus on foldable technology suggests that the company is preparing for a new era of computing, where flexible displays could play a key role.
What This Means for the Smartphone Industry
The arrival of Apple’s foldable iPhone will likely:
Increase competition in the foldable smartphone market, pushing brands to improve technology and lower prices.
Force Samsung to innovate faster, ensuring that future Galaxy Z Fold models stay ahead.
Set new software standards, as Apple will optimize iOS for foldable form factors, inspiring Android manufacturers to follow suit.
Expand the foldable device ecosystem, with Apple possibly introducing accessories and optimized apps.
Although Apple is late to the game, its market influence could accelerate global adoption of foldable technology.
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is shaping up to be a game-changer, and its rivalry with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 will be one of the most exciting battles in the smartphone industry in 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the foldable iPhone be released?
Apple is expected to begin mass production in the second half of 2026, with a release likely by the end of the year.
2. What will be the price of the foldable iPhone?
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that the foldable iPhone will cost over $2,000, making it one of Apple’s most expensive phones.
3. What size will the foldable iPhone be?
It is expected to have a 7.8-inch inner screen and a 5.5-inch outer display.
4. Will Apple’s foldable iPhone be better than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8?
While Apple’s foldable iPhone will be a direct competitor, it remains to be seen whether it will outperform Samsung’s mature foldable technology.
5. Why is Apple launching a foldable iPhone now?
Apple aims to boost iPhone demand, enter the growing foldable market, and introduce new innovations.
6. What features will the foldable iPhone have?
It is expected to feature Apple Intelligence (AI-powered features), a durable hinge, and optimized iOS software.
7. Will Apple release other foldable devices?
Yes, Apple is reportedly working on an 18-inch foldable device, which could be a foldable iPad or Mac.
8. Will the foldable iPhone have Face ID?
Apple has not confirmed this yet, but it is likely that Face ID will be included.
9. Will the foldable iPhone run on iOS?
Yes, it will run iOS, but with software optimizations for the foldable design.
10. Will the foldable iPhone support Apple Pencil?
There is speculation that Apple Pencil support may be added, but it has not been confirmed yet.