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Apple’s first foldable iPhone is rumoured to launch in the second half of 2026. The latest report claims the first-ever foldable iPhone may come in a book-style design like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold rather than the Galaxy Z Flip’s clamshell design. Display industry expert Ross Young has suggested that if Apple enters the foldable phone market in two years, it will likely opt for a Fold-like design. This information comes from Young’s response on X, where he stated “Fold” when asked about the potential design of Apple’s foldable iPhone.
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What to expect from the foldable market
The latest development comes at a critical juncture for the foldable market. According to a recent report by Young’s Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), foldable sales are projected to grow by just 5% this year, with a potential 4% decline in 2025. This marks a sharp contrast to the market’s consistent year-over-year growth of at least 40% since 2019, making these projections notably unexpected.
While September 2026 is still far off, it’s too soon to gauge the credibility of the latest rumours surrounding Apple’s potential first foldable device. However, there are compelling reasons to believe that Apple may favour a “Fold” design over a “Flip” one.
By 2026, consumer preferences may lean more toward an “iPhone Fold” than an “iPhone Flip.” The DSCC report predicts that sales of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will exceed those of its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 5, this year.
Meanwhile, sales of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 are projected to decline by up to 10% compared to the Galaxy Z Flip 5, even though the Z Flip remains the bestselling foldable phone on the market.
Apple’s first-ever foldable iPhone: What to expect
Apple may also see an opportunity to make a bigger impact as it reportedly plans to enter the foldable phone segment, which it has approached cautiously so far.
An iPhone Fold, with its larger display, could offer Apple greater flexibility in design and features, positioning the device as a cutting-edge innovation. Such a move could refresh Apple’s product lineup and attract users seeking a versatile device that blends functionality with advanced design.
Additionally, an iPhone Fold could be more profitable for Apple, given its potential for a higher price point. For reference, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 starts at $999, while the entry-level Galaxy Z Fold 6 is priced at $1,799.
If waiting until late 2026 for Apple’s first foldable phone seems too long, there’s another option coming sooner: the “iPhone 17 Air,” expected to launch next year. This may be Apple’s thinnest-ever iPhone yet and may replace the iPhone Plus in the lineup. It is likely to be accompanied by the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
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