Apple’s much-anticipated foldable iPhone is now expected to launch in the second half of 2026, although it’s been a long road to get here. 
Initially, many anticipated an earlier release, especially to compete with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup. However, Apple appears to have strategically delayed the foldable iPhone to launch alongside the iPhone 18 series, a move likely aimed at maximizing its impact in the market.
Mass production of the foldable iPhone is expected to begin soon, signaling that the device’s final design has been locked in. Reports from the supply chain indicate that Apple has undergone numerous revisions – over five years of fine-tuning – all to ensure the foldable iPhone is as polished as possible. One of the most significant goals Apple has set is to release a foldable device without a visible crease, which remains a common issue for existing foldable smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Despite these ambitious goals, Apple’s foldable iPhone may not set a groundbreaking precedent. In fact, if the leaked specs are anything to go by, the phone may lag behind Samsung’s current foldable offerings in some aspects, though Apple will still market it as the next big thing in smartphones. The iPhone 18 Pro Max will likely take center stage at launch, with the foldable iPhone positioned as a high-end model following closely behind. Furthermore, Apple’s plans for a 20th-anniversary iPhone, featuring a no-cutout display, might supersede the foldable iPhone, pushing its release to the backseat.
Meanwhile, Apple’s foldable iPad has been placed on hold, despite initial plans for a 2026 launch. The foldable tablet was rumored to have an enormous 18.8-inch display when unfolded, but its production has faced significant delays. The device’s high manufacturing costs, coupled with low market demand, seem to have contributed to its indefinite postponement. Adding to this, Apple had reportedly been working on incorporating Face ID under the display, a feature still expected for the iPhone 18. This may suggest the foldable iPad could be pushed back until the 20th-anniversary iPhone in 2027, with the potential for a new foldable iPad featuring no display cutouts to align with the special event.
With so many upcoming devices on the horizon, Apple fans have a lot to look forward to. In addition to the foldable iPhone, the redesigned iPhone 17, the new iPhone 17 Air, and the 20th-anniversary iPhone Pro are all set to debut in the next few years. Along with these, a cheaper MacBook powered by an iPhone chip will likely make an appearance, bringing even more variety to the Apple ecosystem.
The foldable phone market has faced some struggles, and Samsung has adjusted its sales expectations for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Fold 7. It’s unclear whether Apple’s entry into the foldable space, given its late arrival, will be enough to reverse the market’s downward trend. The high costs associated with foldable devices remain a significant barrier, and Apple’s offerings will certainly be no exception. That said, the introduction of more options and competition in the foldable market can only be good for consumers. Samsung, for example, is preparing to unveil its own tri-foldable device, the Galaxy G Fold, later this year. If both Apple and Samsung embrace denser silicon batteries in the future, the foldable industry could see a significant boost in excitement.