Apple's Foldable iPhone: A Potential 2026 Release Amidst Skepticism

Apple's next big product doesn't sound that convincing | Business Insider India

Apple is reportedly planning to take the iPhone's design in a new direction -- but the possible hardware update isn't actually all that innovative. Apple is working on plans to start selling a foldable version of its iconic phone as early as 2026, sources told The Information. It's not guaranteed to be released, but those familiar with the project told The Information that the company has reached out to suppliers in Asia for components. Whispers about a foldable iPhone have floated around for months, but Apple is already years behind similar offerings from competitors. It's unclear who, exactly, is hoping to get their hands on an Apple flip phone after years of the same silhouette. Investors have questioned what Apple's next big innovation will be, and so far, 2024 has been a mixed bag. It unveiled its long-awaited AI plans and is gearing up to release the iPhone 16, which -- thanks to its AI capabilities -- analysts believe could spark a "golden upgrade cycle." But the release of the $3,500 Vision Pro earlier this year in the US failed to move the needle significantly in terms of sales, leaving a lot riding on the next iteration of the iPhone. Apple also killed its self-driving-car plans in February. Meantime, competitors like Samsung and Chinese rival Huawei already have foldable phones available. On July 10, Samsung announced the new Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6. The two smartphones fold differently, and The Information reported that Apple's planned phone will fold similarly to the Z Flip, which was first launched in 2020. The new handset could also be pricey. Ming-Chi Kuo, a much-followed analyst who has previously been a go-to for Apple product predictions, noted that a possible all-screen foldable MacBook could cost the company a lot to mass produce to Apple's quality standards. Although innovation and creativity are pillars at Apple, making new, more expensive products like the Vision Pro hasn't always paid off. Still, the loyalty of Apple users (Wedbush Securities analysts estimated earlier this year that there were 2.2 billion iOS devices out there) may ensure a foldable iPhone isn't a flop after all. Are you a current or recent Apple employee? Reach out to this reporter via email at jhart@businessinsider.com or Signal at @jordyhart.99.

Apple's next big product doesn't sound that convincing

This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Log in. Whispers about a foldable iPhone have floated around for months, but Apple is already years behind similar offerings from competitors. It's unclear who, exactly, is hoping to get their hands on an Apple flip phone after years of the same silhouette. Investors have questioned what Apple's next big innovation will be, and so far, 2024 has been a mixed bag. It unveiled its long-awaited AI plans and is gearing up to release the iPhone 16, which -- thanks to its AI capabilities -- analysts believe could spark a "golden upgrade cycle." But the release of the $3,500 Vision Pro earlier this year in the US failed to move the needle significantly in terms of sales, leaving a lot riding on the next iteration of the iPhone. Apple also killed its self-driving-car plans in February. Meantime, competitors like Samsung and Chinese rival Huawei already have foldable phones available. On July 10, Samsung announced the new Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6. The two smartphones fold differently, and The Information reported that Apple's planned phone will fold similarly to the Z Flip, which was first launched in 2020. The new handset could also be pricey. Ming-Chi Kuo, a much-followed analyst who has previously been a go-to for Apple product predictions, noted that a possible all-screen foldable MacBook could cost the company a lot to mass produce to Apple's quality standards. Although innovation and creativity are pillars at Apple, making new, more expensive products like the Vision Pro hasn't always paid off. Still, the loyalty of Apple users (Wedbush Securities analysts estimated earlier this year that there were 2.2 billion iOS devices out there) may ensure a foldable iPhone isn't a flop after all.

Apple likely to release 'foldable iPhone' as early as 2026: Report

Apple is likely to introduce its foldable iPhone as early as 2026, the Information reported on Tuesday, that could mark the biggest hardware design revamp for the company's most popular product. The Cupertino, California-based company's plan to release a foldable iPhone could mimic a similar move by Samsung Electronics, which pioneered the foldable segment in 2019 in a bid to attract new customers with a major hardware design refresh. Apple's foldable iPhone has progressed from the ideation stage, the report said, citing two people with knowledge of the matter. The company has reached out to suppliers in Asia to make components for the device, the Information reported, adding that iPhone maker has created an internal code name V68 for the product. ALSO READ| Apple users, can you suffer global outage like Microsoft? 'It is controlled...' Foldable smartphones, powered with artificial intelligence features, are expected to trigger demand for the iPhone maker, which faces stiff competition from Honor and Huawei in China and Samsung globally. Samsung unveiled its latest foldable smartphones earlier in July, making its priciest flagship model lighter and slimmer with new AI functions. Global foldable smartphone market grew 49% in the first quarter from a year earlier, marking its highest rate of increase in six quarters, according to a Counterpoint Research report from May, with Huawei taking the top spot for the first time, beating Samsung. Apple also plans to bring an upgrade to a camera of at least one iPhone model, that would let its users to control the size of the aperture with a mechanical system, possibly allowing users to create depth-of-field effect, the Information report added. The report also said that there is no guarantee that Apple would release the foldable iPhone. Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Apple likely to release foldable iPhone as early as 2026, the Information reports

Apple is likely to introduce its foldable iPhone as early as 2026, the Information reported on Tuesday, that could mark the biggest hardware design revamp for the company's most popular product. The Cupertino, California-based company's plan to release a foldable iPhone could mimic a similar move by Samsung Electronics, which pioneered the foldable segment in 2019 in a bid to attract new customers with a major hardware design refresh. Apple's foldable iPhone has progressed from the ideation stage, the report said, citing two people with knowledge of the matter. The company has reached out to suppliers in Asia to make components for the device, the Information reported, adding that iPhone maker has created an internal code name V68 for the product. Foldable smartphones, powered with artificial intelligence features, are expected to trigger demand for the iPhone maker, which faces stiff competition from Honor and Huawei in China and Samsung globally. Samsung unveiled its latest foldable smartphones earlier in July, making its priciest flagship model lighter and slimmer with new AI functions. Global foldable smartphone market grew 49% in the first quarter from a year earlier, marking its highest rate of increase in six quarters, according to a Counterpoint Research report from May, with Huawei taking the top spot for the first time, beating Samsung. Apple also plans to bring an upgrade to a camera of at least one iPhone model, that would let its users to control the size of the aperture with a mechanical system, possibly allowing users to create depth-of-field effect, the Information report added. The report also said that there is no guarantee that Apple would release the foldable iPhone. Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. (Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)

Apple likely to release foldable iPhone as early as 2026: Report - ET Telecom

Apple is likely to introduce its foldable iPhone as early as 2026, the Information reported on Tuesday, that could mark the biggest hardware design revamp for the company's most popular product. The Cupertino, California-based company's plan to release a foldable iPhone could mimic a similar move by Samsung Electronics, which pioneered the foldable segment in 2019 in a bid to attract new customers with a major hardware design refresh. Apple's foldable iPhone has progressed from the ideation stage, the report said, citing two people with knowledge of the matter. The company has reached out to suppliers in Asia to make components for the device, the Information reported, adding that iPhone maker has created an internal code name V68 for the product. Foldable smartphones, powered with artificial intelligence features, are expected to trigger demand for the iPhone maker, which faces stiff competition from Honor and Huawei in China and Samsung globally. Samsung unveiled its latest foldable smartphones earlier in July, making its priciest flagship model lighter and slimmer with new AI functions. Global foldable smartphone market grew 49% in the first quarter from a year earlier, marking its highest rate of increase in six quarters, according to a Counterpoint Research report from May, with Huawei taking the top spot for the first time, beating Samsung. Apple also plans to bring an upgrade to a camera of at least one iPhone model, that would let its users to control the size of the aperture with a mechanical system, possibly allowing users to create depth-of-field effect, the Information report added. The report also said that there is no guarantee that Apple would release the foldable iPhone. Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Apple likely to release foldable iPhone as early as 2026, the Information reports

Apple's foldable iPhone has progressed from the ideation stage, the report said, citing two people with knowledge of the matter Apple is likely to introduce its foldable iPhone as early as 2026, the Information reported on Tuesday, that could mark the biggest hardware design revamp for the company's most popular product. The Cupertino, California-based company's plan to release a foldable iPhone could mimic a similar move by Samsung Electronics, which pioneered the foldable segment in 2019 in a bid to attract new customers with a major hardware design refresh. Apple's foldable iPhone has progressed from the ideation stage, the report said, citing two people with knowledge of the matter. The company has reached out to suppliers in Asia to make components for the device, the Information reported, adding that iPhone maker has created an internal code name V68 for the product. Foldable smartphones, powered with artificial intelligence features, are expected to trigger demand for the iPhone maker, which faces stiff competition from Honor and Huawei in China and Samsung globally. Samsung unveiled its latest foldable smartphones earlier in July, making its priciest flagship model lighter and slimmer with new AI functions. Global foldable smartphone market grew 49% in the first quarter from a year earlier, marking its highest rate of increase in six quarters, according to a Counterpoint Research report from May, with Huawei taking the top spot for the first time, beating Samsung. Apple also plans to bring an upgrade to a camera of at least one iPhone model, that would let its users to control the size of the aperture with a mechanical system, possibly allowing users to create depth-of-field effect, the Information report added. The report also said that there is no guarantee that Apple would release the foldable iPhone. Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. (Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)

Apple likely to release foldable iPhone

Tech giant Apple is working on a foldable iPhone which is likely be released as early as 2026 and could mark the biggest hardware design revamp for the company's most popular product. According to a report by an international outlet, the California-based tech company - valued at $3.46 trillion - contacted suppliers in Asia to manufacture parts for the new phone. The company's plan could mimic a similar move by Samsung Electronics, which pioneered the foldable segment in 2019 in a bid to attract new customers with a major hardware design refresh. Reports stated that Apple has finalised a clamshell design for the device, dubbed "V68," which will fold vertically from top to bottom, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip released in 2020. The Galaxy Z phones cost between $850 and $1,900 on the Samsung website. Apple's foldable iPhone has progressed from the ideation stage, the report said, citing two people with knowledge of the matter. Foldable smartphones, powered with artificial intelligence features, are expected to trigger demand for the iPhone maker, which faces stiff competition from Honor and Huawei in China and Samsung globally. Samsung unveiled its latest foldable smartphones earlier in July, making its priciest flagship model lighter and slimmer with new AI functions. The global foldable smartphone market grew 49% in the first quarter from a year earlier, marking its highest rate of increase in six quarters, according to a Counterpoint Research report from May, with Huawei taking the top spot for the first time, beating Samsung. Apple also plans to bring an upgrade to a camera of at least one iPhone model, that would let its users control the size of the aperture with a mechanical system, possibly allowing users to create depth-of-field effect, the report added. Typical iPhone models usually take about 24 months to manufacture from start to finish, but a foldable iPhone might take longer to complete, sources claimed. The report also said that there is no guarantee that Apple would release the foldable iPhone. If the rumored model makes it to shelves, it would be one of the most radical changes to the iPhone design since its 2007 launch.

Apple Likely to Release Foldable IPhone as Early as 2026, the Information Reports

(Reuters) - Apple is likely to introduce its foldable iPhone as early as 2026, the Information reported on Tuesday, that could mark the biggest hardware design revamp for the company's most popular product. The Cupertino, California-based company's plan to release a foldable iPhone could mimic a similar move by Samsung Electronics, which pioneered the foldable segment in 2019 in a bid to attract new customers with a major hardware design refresh. Apple's foldable iPhone has progressed from the ideation stage, the report said, citing two people with knowledge of the matter. The company has reached out to suppliers in Asia to make components for the device, the Information reported, adding that iPhone maker has created an internal code name V68 for the product. Foldable smartphones, powered with artificial intelligence features, are expected to trigger demand for the iPhone maker, which faces stiff competition from Honor and Huawei in China and Samsung globally. Samsung unveiled its latest foldable smartphones earlier in July, making its priciest flagship model lighter and slimmer with new AI functions. Global foldable smartphone market grew 49% in the first quarter from a year earlier, marking its highest rate of increase in six quarters, according to a Counterpoint Research report from May, with Huawei taking the top spot for the first time, beating Samsung. Apple also plans to bring an upgrade to a camera of at least one iPhone model, that would let its users to control the size of the aperture with a mechanical system, possibly allowing users to create depth-of-field effect, the Information report added. The report also said that there is no guarantee that Apple would release the foldable iPhone. Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. (Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)

Apple likely to release foldable iPhone as early as 2026, the Information reports

Apple's foldable iPhone has progressed from the ideation stage, the report said, citing two people with knowledge of the matter. The company has reached out to suppliers in Asia to make components for the device, the Information reported, adding that iPhone maker has created an internal code name V68 for the product. Foldable smartphones, powered with artificial intelligence features, are expected to trigger demand for the iPhone maker, which faces stiff competition from Honor and Huawei in China and Samsung globally. Samsung unveiled its latest foldable smartphones earlier in July, making its priciest flagship model lighter and slimmer with new AI functions. Global foldable smartphone market grew 49% in the first quarter from a year earlier, marking its highest rate of increase in six quarters, according to a Counterpoint Research report from May, with Huawei taking the top spot for the first time, beating Samsung. Apple also plans to bring an upgrade to a camera of at least one iPhone model, that would let its users to control the size of the aperture with a mechanical system, possibly allowing users to create depth-of-field effect, the Information report added. The report also said that there is no guarantee that Apple would release the foldable iPhone. Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. (Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)

Apple's Foldable iPhone plans progress, launch possible in 2026: Report

California-based tech giant Apple might unveil its first foldable iPhone as early as 2026, marking a significant redesign of its most popular product, according to a report by The Information on Tuesday. This potential move could follow in the footsteps of Samsung Electronics, which launched the foldable smartphone segment in 2019 to attract new customers with innovative hardware. The report, citing two sources familiar with the matter, indicated that Apple's foldable iPhone has moved beyond the ideation phase. The company has reached out to Asian suppliers to manufacture components for the device, which is internally referred to by the code name V68. Foldable smartphones, enhanced with AI features, are anticipated to drive demand for Apple, which faces intense competition from Honor and Huawei in China, and from Samsung globally. Earlier this month, Samsung introduced its latest foldable smartphones, featuring lighter and slimmer designs along with new AI functionalities. According to a Counterpoint Research report from May, the global foldable smartphone market saw a 49 per cent year-over-year growth in the first quarter, the highest increase in six quarters. Huawei surpassed Samsung to claim the top spot in this market for the first time. In addition to its foldable plans, Apple is also reportedly planning to upgrade the camera of at least one iPhone model. This upgrade would allow users to adjust the aperture size using a mechanical system, enabling a depth-of-field effect. Despite these developments, the report noted that there is no certainty that Apple will ultimately release the foldable iPhone. Speculation about Apple's venture into foldable devices has persisted for years. According to a previous report from DigiTimes, the tech giant's first foldable product may not be the anticipated iPhone Fold. Instead, it could be a larger device, such as a foldable iPad or MacBook. Further, the report indicated that Apple's delayed entry into the foldable technology market is a result of its commitment to upholding stringent quality standards. Despite working with Samsung on display development, Apple is seeking a foldable panel that meets its precise specifications. To accomplish this, the company has reassigned engineers from other projects, including the Vision Pro, to focus on refining the foldable technology internally. 3.6 Crore Indians visited in a single day choosing us as India's undisputed platform for General Election Results. Explore the latest updates here!

Apple likely to release foldable iPhone as early as 2026

Apple is likely to introduce its foldable iPhone as early as 2026, the Information reported on Tuesday, that could mark the biggest hardware design revamp for the company's most popular product. The Cupertino, California-based company's plan to release a foldable iPhone could mimic a similar move by Samsung Electronics, which pioneered the foldable segment in 2019 in a bid to attract new customers with a major hardware design refresh. Apple's foldable iPhone has progressed from the ideation stage, the report said, citing two people with knowledge of the matter. The company has reached out to suppliers in Asia to make components for the device, the Information reported, adding that iPhone maker has created an internal code name V68 for the product. Foldable smartphones, powered with artificial intelligence features, are expected to trigger demand for the iPhone maker, which faces stiff competition from Honor and Huawei in China and Samsung globally. Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. (Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)

Apple's iPhone of the future is a flip phone

For its next iPhone, Apple is playing into our sentimentality. It's also doing something basically all its big smartphone rivals have already done -- Apple is reportedly making a foldable iPhone. According to the Information, Apple reached out to suppliers in Asia in recent months to start making the new iPhone's components, and the phone could be released as soon as 2026. Like Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip (and unlike Google's Pixel Fold), Apple's iPhone would fold in half like a clamshell, the outlet reported, citing unnamed sources. If Apple can tackle the technical challenges that come with making its smartphone foldable, it would be the biggest iPhone revamp since Steve Jobs debuted the device in 2007. Apple's iPhone sales have struggled over the past year, slumping in China (one of its largest markets). The company's iPhone sales for the three months ended March 30 slipped 10% from the same time last year. Sales of the device in China have begun to recover thanks to discounts, however, and Apple's growing consumer market in India is thriving. Analysts expect that Apple's next wave of AI-powered iPhones will help it compete and lead the industry into the AI smartphone -- aka "intelliphone" -- era. Apple's next iPhone operating system, iOS 18, is coming this fall and will include a number of built-in AI features, such as an updated Siri and OpenAI's ChatGPT. Apple Intelligence, the AI initiative Apple announced at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, has helped it more than recover from a disappointing start to the year. Apple's stock price is up more than 30% from three months ago. The company reports its third-quarter earnings (for the three months ended June 30) on August 1.

A foldable iPhone may arrive in 2026 after Apple cracked this major design problem

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Apple's foldable iPhone! Thanks to a Tuesday report from The Information, we have some new details on the heavily rumored foldable iPhone, which I imagine will be called the iPhone Fold. A few months ago, The Information reported on Apple contacting a manufacturer about parts for foldable phones. Now, it seems Apple is one step further in the process, creating an internal code name for the foldable iPhone: V68. According to The Information, this move could "[signal] that the idea has moved beyond the conceptual stage and is now an official product in development with suppliers." If true, we might see an iPhone fold launch as soon as 2026. Of course, it's worth noting that just because the 'iPhone Fold' has an internal code name and is seemingly moving forward in production. That said, this is a positive sign for the future of foldable iPhones. And if Apple is business-savvy -- which historically, it is -- creating a foldable iPhone soon to compete with Google's and Samsung's foldable phones would be a smart move. The report from The Information also details a few design specifics, including one major problem Apple may have overcome. According to The Information, Apple's engineers working on the foldable iPhone were facing a big problem: making the phone "half as thin as current iPhone models so it wouldn't be too thick when shut." Now, it seems this problem may have been solved. Reportedly, Apple has developed a "significantly thinner iPhone, internally code-named D23." If this innovation can translate from a traditional iPhone to a foldable iPhone, Apple's teams can move on to other potential issues, like preventing a display crease after multiple folds and making sure there's a market for the 'iPhone Fold.' That said, if the foldable iPhone has really moved past the conceptual stage and into the development stage, I'd argue that most major issues have already been resolved. The foldable iPhone will supposedly "fold widthwise like a clamshell," according to "two people with direct knowledge of the matter" via The Information. This means it'll resemble Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip series, not the Galaxy Z Fold series. Apple is known for delivering a polished product, even for the first-gen, whether it's hardware or software, even if this means extending its release date. After all, Apple was fashionably late to the AI game, but it seems to have paid off -- Apple Intelligence isn't here yet, but it looks quite promising. If you don't anticipate needing to upgrade your iPhone until 2026, it might be worth holding out for the 'iPhone Fold.' Otherwise, your options include the existing iPhone 15 lineup, or the upcoming iPhone 16 series.

Apple dabbles with foldable iPhone, eyes possible 2026 release: reports

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is apparently working on a foldable version of its iconic iPhone, and is eyeing a possible release as soon as 2026, according to reports. The Cupertino-based company has reached out to suppliers in Asia regarding components for the new line of iPhones, according to The Information, which cited sources close to the developments. The foldable iPhone, which would fold similarly to the Samsung (OTCPK:SSNLF) Galaxy Z Flip, goes by the code name V68, internally, the report said. It would require a thinner iPhone than current models to account for the foldable design. The pursuit of a foldable iPhone was first reported by Digitimes. "Initially, it was speculated that Apple would first launch a foldable iPad to gauge market reaction and accumulate sales experience before introducing the technology to its primary product, the iPhone," according to Digitimes. "However, due to challenges encountered in the Chinese smartphone market, Apple has reportedly adjusted its plans and may introduce the iPhone as its first foldable product." Apple ticked up 1% by noon trading Tuesday. The company is slated to release its earnings next week on Aug. 1, and it is estimated to report earnings per share of $1.33 on revenue of $84.07B. Seeking Alpha reached out to Apple for comment. More on Apple Apple Q3 Preview: Bears, Get Ready For Another iPhone Lesson Apple Buybacks, AI Are Just For Optics Apple Stock Is More Expensive Than Nvidia Apple in focus as Wells Fargo boosts price target after Verizon results Apple, Micron executives visit China amid tightening US chip restrictions - report

Apple Rumored to be Working on its First-ever Foldable - Phandroid

While numerous rumors of an Apple-branded foldable phone have come and gone in years past, newer reports indicate that the Cupertino tech company is indeed working on a foldable iPhone, which is predicted to launch later in 2026. The report comes by way of The Information, which claims that the device might feature a clamshell design. READ: The new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 just got body shamed by Honor A few months back, the site also reported that Apple was working on developing a couple of prototypes; with that said, the current design that the company is working on comes with the codename "V68". According to the report, Apple has moved beyond the conceptual stage, and is working with suppliers. The report also says that Apple is working on reducing the device's thickness and display crease. Up until now, the foldable smartphone segment has been headed by big names like Samsung, which recently launched its Galaxy Z F0ld 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 handsets. Apple is expected to launch its upcoming iPhone 16 models later in September; the new phones will feature iOS 18 in addition to "Apple Intelligence," the company's own take on mobile generative AI.