Foldable iPhone Coming in 2026, Foldable iPad to Follow in 2028

[MacRumors]

Apple plans to release a foldable iPhone in 2026, and will then follow it up with a foldable iPad in 2028, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said today.

Multiple sources have now confirmed that Apple is planning to release its first foldable iPhone in 2026, with the device coming as part of the iPhone 18 lineup. Launch timing on a larger-screened foldable device has been more uncertain.

Originally, rumors indicated that the foldable iPad or MacBook would come before the iPhone, and there have been launch rumors with dates ranging from 2026 to 2028. Rumors have also varied between calling the foldable device an iPad and a MacBook, but it seems like all of the information about a larger foldable refers to the same product. The foldable iPad could have a screen between 18 and 20 inches when unfolded, with a smaller form factor when closed.

According to Kuo, Apple is using ultra-thin cover glass for both the foldable iPhone and foldable iPad, which is a rumor that we've heard before. Corning will supply the ultra-thin cover glass, but General Interface Solutions (GIS) will work with Corning on cutting, corner treatments, inspection, packaging, and shipping.

Kuo expects Apple to sell somewhere between 8 to 10 million foldable iPhones in 2026, and up to 25 million in 2027. The larger-screened foldable is not expected to sell as well because Kuo says it will be priced "considerably higher" than the foldable iPhone.

Article Link: Foldable iPhone Coming in 2026, Foldable iPad to Follow in 2028

 

[Trey M]

"The larger-screened foldable is not expected to sell as well because Kuo says it will be priced "considerably higher" than the foldable ‌iPhone‌."

*the non-foldable iPhone

 

[surfzen21]

I'm hoping for a folding vision pro in 2030.

 

[Will.O.Bie]

Imagine the repair cost of this even with the AppleCare?

 

[uacd]

4000$ iPad😎🤣

 

[Macalway]

I would imagine they have solved the anti-glare issue that I've seen (Maybe others have also?) My Zfold6 was nice but glare city. Terrible. I can't see Apple doing that without glare reduction. Glare with an outdoor device is bad, and you pay a hefty premium?

 

[alexandr]

I wish they started with a foldable iPad...

 

[jz0309]

Apple plans to release a foldable iPhone in 2026, and will then follow it up with a foldable iPad in 2028, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said today.

Multiple sources have now confirmed that Apple is planning to release its first foldable iPhone in 2026, with the device coming as part of the iPhone 18 lineup. Launch timing on a larger-screened foldable device has been more uncertain.

Originally, rumors indicated that the foldable iPad or MacBook would come before the iPhone, and there have been launch rumors with dates ranging from 2026 to 2028. Rumors have also varied between calling the foldable device an iPad and a MacBook, but it seems like all of the information about a larger foldable refers to the same product. The foldable iPad could have a screen between 18 and 20 inches when unfolded, with a smaller form factor when closed.

According to Kuo, Apple is using ultra-thin cover glass for both the foldable iPhone and foldable iPad, which is a rumor that we've heard before. Corning will supply the ultra-thin cover glass, but General Interface Solutions (GIS) will work with Corning on cutting, corner treatments, inspection, packaging, and shipping.

Kuo expects Apple to sell somewhere between 8 to 10 million foldable iPhones in 2026, and up to 25 million in 2027. The larger-screened foldable is not expected to sell as well because Kuo says it will be priced "considerably higher" than the foldable iPhone.

Article Link: Foldable iPhone Coming in 2026, Foldable iPad to Follow in 2028

The foldable iPhone makes sense to me, there's a market that is quite sizable as Kuo claims 25M units in 2027.
This foldable iPad not so much. While I can see the appeal for some, it seems much more of a niche product, and quite an expensive one

 

[Agent007]

with a smaller form factor when closed.

No ****, Sherlock.

 

[LoveToMacRumors]

When the time comes that holograms are created, Apple will be 25 years behind.

 

[Edsel]

I'm holding out for the Apple Origami iPhone.

 

[N0ughtsAndCr0sses]

Now I dunno what to do, 17PM or this. Tut.

Spoiled for choice, innit.

 

[Spock]

They are really late to the party, foldable phones just keep getting better and Apple is behind. Glad we got that camera button though. What will we have this year, a Siri button?

 

[MacMediaNet]

What about foldable iMac?

 

[thiscatisfat]

Isn’t it the same thing? Like what’s the point of a folding iPad? Like a folding phablet kinda makes sense, but a separare tablet? The folding phone already unfolds into a tablet.

 

[zoegreg]

So what do you guys think the starting price will be for the foldable iPhone.

$2000?

 

[thiscatisfat]

They are really late to the party, foldable phones just keep getting better and Apple is behind. Glad we got that camera button though. What will we have this year, a Siri button?

A…new camera. Again. And new colours…again. That’s it.

 

[N0ughtsAndCr0sses]

So what do you guys think the starting price will be for the foldable iPhone.

$2000?

If taking about price tags, impostor comes to mind.

When Apple

Only passion

If money is a problem, go 200 usd android.

 

[Imperial926]

Just remember, it’s a bad idea to buy the 1st generation of anything- at least something as tricky as a first gen foldable.

 

[max2]

Not needed

 

[spartan1967]

Imagine the repair cost of this even with the AppleCare?

Excellent point, but I am a firm believer a big part of Apple’s delay with this is due to releasing a tested & quality product. If this device folds to 13 Mini dimensions, I am on board.

 

[Slash787]

When is the next mini coming?

 

[ghanwani]

My money is on there not being a foldable iPhone.

 

[darthbane2k]

This product should be released this year, not next. Apple are so far behind it’s a joke. Cook needs to go.

 

[chachawpi]

Oh man, just wait until Google and Samsung copy this and release their own foldable phones.