Apple Eyes Launch of Premium Folding iPhone in 2026
Apple is reportedly gearing up to release a folding iPhone as early as next year. According to a well-regarded industry analyst, the tech giant’s folding device aims to carve a spot in the high-end market segment with premium pricing.
A Collaboration with Samsung Display for the Foldable Screen
The upcoming folding iPhone is expected to feature a display supplied by Samsung Display, which is preparing to manufacture up to 8 million foldable panels for Apple. This alliance highlights Apple’s strategic move to adopt cutting-edge flexible screen technology for its new device.
While the screen supplier has been identified, several other components, including the device’s hinge mechanism, are still under development. These design elements are crucial for durability and user experience, and Apple is believed to be refining them before finalizing the product.
Folding Phones: A Market with Challenges and Opportunities
Since 2019, multiple players such as Samsung and Huawei have launched folding smartphones. These devices offer tablet-sized screens that fold down to fit in a pocket, revolutionizing mobile usability. Yet, folding phones continue to grapple with hardware issues, notably visible creases on the foldable displays.
Market adoption remains modest; recent research indicates that foldable smartphones account for roughly 1.5% of total smartphone sales. Additionally, growth in this segment has been slow, with an expected increase of only around 3% this year.
What This Means for Apple’s Smartphone Business
The iPhone represents the lion’s share of Apple’s revenue, generating more than $201 billion in fiscal 2024. However, after peaking in 2022, iPhone sales growth has slowed, prompting Apple to explore new innovations that can attract fresh customers and encourage upgrades from existing users.
The introduction of a premium folding iPhone fits within this strategy, offering something distinctly different and technologically advanced to stimulate interest in their flagship line.
Looking Ahead
Apple's folding iPhone plans are not yet finalized and remain subject to change. Industry watchers will be closely monitoring announcements and production developments as the 2026 launch window approaches.
With Samsung Display’s foldable panels, Apple aims to merge superior hardware quality with novel form factors, potentially redefining smartphone design and user expectations in the years ahead.
