It seems likely that a foldable iPhone (or foldable iPad) will appear at some point, but when? A new report suggests we'll have to wait until 2026 for such a device to appear, and when it does arrive it will be a clamshell foldable device in the style of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6.
This comes from sources speaking to The Information (via MacRumors), and apparently Apple is now in touch with its supply chain partners to see who could provide the foldable displays needed for an 'iPhone Flip.'
It’s not clear exactly why Apple would take this route instead of opting for a folio foldable like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, but it’s certainly the cheaper option. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 will cost $1,899/£1,799/AU$2,749, compared to $1,099.99/£1,049/AU$1,799 for the Z Flip 6.
In its report, The Information notes that Apple's plans are subject to change and that Apple would have to be satisfied with the quality of the device before launching it. However, the foldable device has apparently been given a codename within Apple, V68, which is one of the key steps in the development of a product.
A long way to go
One of the rumors we've heard about the foldable iPhone is that Apple doesn't like the crease effect on the foldable displays of the devices rival companies have released so far. While the technology is improving year after year, you can definitely still see the creases on the displays of current foldable phones.
There has also been talk that Apple could be working on self-healing foldable display technology, so that any minor dents or scratches can be repaired on their own. However, this type of display is likely still several years away.
Apple has yet to confirm that it is working on a foldable iPhone, but it would hold off on doing so until the product is unveiled. There's no doubt that it will explore the idea of making such a device, and leaks have suggested that Apple could also be working on foldable displays for laptops.
The Information also notes that standard iPhones take 24 months to develop from start to finish, and a foldable version could take longer, so we might have to wait until 2027 or beyond for the iPhone to adopt a new form factor. In the meantime, Android manufacturers continue to release foldable devices at a steady pace, and you can find out what we think of Samsung’s latest foldable flagship in our in-depth Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 review.
