Exciting Things After iPhone 17 Launch? First Foldable iPhone Launch Tipped For 2026
Apple's rumoured foldable iPhone and the foldable iPad's launch timeline has been leaked. Here is what to expect after the iPhone 17 series launch.
Published By: Divya | Published: Sep 03, 2025, 08:35 PM (IST)
Foldable iPhone is no longer just part of just rumour mill; instead, several leaks have echoed that it is coming next year. While the iPhone 17 series is just on the cards of Apple to launch within 5 days, which will unveil four models -- iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Now, it seems like the real excitement lies after the iPhone 17 launch.
According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is aiming to launch the first-ever foldable iPhone in 2026. This echoes the previous leaks that the Foldable iPhone may launch along with the iPhone 18 series.
The Foldable Timeline
If all goes as planned, Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected in 2026, followed by a foldable iPad in 2028. This matches earlier whispers that the foldable iPhone could debut alongside the iPhone 18 series. And considering Apple has already revised its shipment forecasts upward, from 6-8 million to 8-10 million units in 2026, and up to 25 million units in 2027, the company seems confident about demand.
Supply chain signals
Backing this timeline is fresh supply chain news. Apple's long-time partner, General Interface Solution (GIS), has reportedly secured an exclusive role in handling the Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) for foldable devices. UTG is the key component that makes foldables possible, and processing it isn't simple -- it costs 2-4 times more than normal smartphone glass because even the tiniest crack or surface stress can ruin it.
For the foldable iPhone, GIS will work with Corning, which supplies the raw UTG, to take care of backend processing like cutting, edge treatment, and inspection. After that, the glass goes to panel makers for final assembly. Apple has also revised its internal shipment estimates upward, now expecting to ship 8 10 million foldable iPhones in 2026, and as many as 20 25 million in 2027.
Foldable iPad Coming Too?
Apple doesn't plan to stop there. A foldable iPad is also on the roadmap for around 2028, with GIS again playing a key role in its UTG processing. Plus, the company is working on Vision Air, a lighter and more affordable version of Vision Pro, expected in 2027. Here too, GIS has landed exclusive orders for Pancake lenses, which could significantly boost its business.
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