Here's when Apple may launch its first foldable iPhone

Apple has long been rumoured to be working on a foldable iPhone. While there have been multiple leaks about when we could first see the first iPhone with a foldable display, a new report has hinted at a 2026 release. Apple’s first foldable smartphone is said to disrupt the category while introducing a major redesign to the company’s marquee product in years.

The Information (via Reuters) has reported that the foldable iPhone release may not happen until 2026, which is far too late compared with Samsung’s first foldable Galaxy phone that came out back in 2019. However, Apple’s move could replicate the same disruption level as Samsung’s when it shook up the smartphone industry with the first Galaxy Fold.

The foldable iPhone is currently in the ideation stage, the report said, citing people privy to the development at Apple. The company is reportedly talking to its suppliers in Asia for the manufacturing of components, per the report that also said the internal code name for the foldable iPhone is V68. Other details such as the material, display, camera, and chipset are currently unclear. However, Apple may equip the foldable iPhone with hardware on par with what the world’s biggest foldable phone makers offer. Apple will face stiff competition from the likes of Samsung, Huawei, and Honor in the foldable phone market.

Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 are the most expensive foldable devices on the market, featuring generative artificial intelligence-based tools. Apple will reportedly tout AI functions on its first foldable iPhone to woo customers. Previous reports have also hinted that Apple could also be working on a flip iPhone, which will work similarly to phones such as the Galaxy Z Flip 6, Motorola Razr 50, and Oppo Find N3 Flip.

According to Reuters, the global foldable smartphone market increased by 49 percent in the first quarter compared with the same time last year. This was an all-time high, representing the highest growth rate in the past six quarters, per a Counterpoint Research report released in May.