The Foldable Frontier: Apple Joins the Fray

While competitors like Samsung have already established a presence in the foldable device market with products like the Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Z Flip, Apple has remained conspicuously absent. However, the tech giant is rumored to be on the cusp of entering this innovative space with the “iPhone Fold,” a device that could redefine the mobile experience.

For years, Apple and its supply chain partners have been quietly exploring the possibilities of foldable screen technology. This exploration appears to be nearing fruition, with numerous reports and leaks suggesting an imminent release.

Decoding the Timeline: When Will the iPhone Fold Arrive?

Apple, known for its tightly controlled product announcements, has remained tight-lipped about the iPhone Fold’s release date. This silence has fueled speculation and conjecture within the tech community, with analysts and insiders offering varying predictions.

Conflicting Reports and Shifting Dates

Early rumors, dating back to 2020, suggested a potential launch as early as 2022. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo initially predicted a 2024 release. however, these projections have since been revised, pushing the estimated launch window further into the future.

More recent reports from early 2024 pointed towards a 2026 launch, only to be followed by suggestions of a delay to 2027. A February 2025 report indicated that production could commence in early 2026, aligning with a 2027 release. Though, conflicting reports emerged in the same month, suggesting a possible 2026 launch with production starting in late 2025.

The foldable iPhone would be introduced at the end of 2026 or at the beginning of 2027, and that mass production would begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Ming-Chi Kuo, Analyst

Kuo, in March 2025, revised his estimate, suggesting a late 2026 or early 2027 release, with mass production beginning in the fourth quarter of 2026. He further predicts that Apple could ship 3 to 5 million iPhone Fold units in 2026, potentially reaching 20 million sales by 2027 with subsequent generations.

Analyst Jeff Pu has consistently maintained a 2026 launch date, aligning the iPhone Fold’s release with a foldable iPad. This claim has been reiterated in multiple reports throughout 2025, with some specifically pointing to a September 2026 release.

the screen Revolution: Display Technology and Suppliers

The iPhone Fold’s defining feature will undoubtedly be its foldable display, offering users a larger screen real estate for applications, gaming, and multimedia consumption. When unfolded, the device is expected to resemble the iPad Mini in terms of screen size, presenting a compelling value proposition for consumers.

Though, creating a durable and seamless foldable display presents critically important engineering challenges. Apple is reportedly collaborating with leading display manufacturers to overcome these hurdles.

LG Display and Samsung: Key Partners in Advancement

Reports suggest that Apple is working with LG display and Samsung to develop crease-free foldable screens. These efforts involve exploring flexible OLED panels that combine glass and plastic layers in a hybrid structure.

The choice of display technology will be crucial in determining the iPhone Fold’s overall user experience and durability. Apple’s commitment to quality suggests that it will prioritize a display solution that minimizes creasing and maximizes longevity.

Market Impact and Future Implications

The introduction of the iPhone Fold could have a profound impact on the smartphone market, potentially driving further innovation in foldable technology and influencing consumer preferences. Apple’s entry into this space could legitimize the foldable form factor and accelerate its adoption among mainstream users.

While the exact release date remains uncertain,the consensus among analysts and insiders suggests that the iPhone Fold is on the horizon,poised to reshape the future of mobile computing.

The Screen Wars: Samsung emerges as Frontrunner for iPhone Fold Display

The race to supply the display for Apple’s rumored iPhone Fold has been a subject of intense speculation. While initial reports suggested LG Display as a potential contender, dating back to 2017, recent leaks point towards Samsung as the primary screen developer. This shift in supplier dynamics could significantly impact the foldable phone market, where Samsung already holds a dominant position. As of Q1 2025, Samsung accounts for over 60% of the global foldable display market, according to Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC).

Reports from April and May 2025 corroborate Samsung’s involvement, aligning with earlier rumors from December 2023 that Samsung had established a dedicated business unit to develop foldable screens specifically for Apple. This strategic move underscores the growing importance of foldable technology and the potential for collaboration between industry giants.

Decoding the Dimensions: Screen Size and Resolution Speculations

The iPhone Fold is widely expected to feature a dual-screen design: a smaller external display for swift interactions and a larger, foldable internal screen for immersive experiences. While the exact dimensions remain unconfirmed, various leaks and analyst reports offer intriguing clues.

External and Internal Display Sizes

early rumors in February 2025 proposed a combined screen size exceeding 12 inches, suggesting a 7.5-inch internal display, akin to the iPad Mini’s 8.3-inch screen. However, conflicting reports emerged, with one suggesting a 5.49-inch external screen and a 7.74-inch internal screen. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo weighed in with a prediction of a 5.5-inch external display and a 7.8-inch internal display when unfolded. The consensus seems to be converging on an internal display size in the 7.7-7.8 inch range, offering a tablet-like experience in a foldable form factor.

Resolution and Pixel Density

In April 2025, rumors surfaced regarding the resolution of the displays. The internal screen is said to boast a resolution of 2713×1920 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 428 ppi. The external screen is expected to offer a higher pixel density of 460 ppi with a resolution of 2088×1422. These specifications suggest that Apple is prioritizing visual clarity and sharpness on both displays.

Aspect ratio and camera placement

According to a March 2025 rumor, the internal screen will adopt a classic 4:3 aspect ratio, reminiscent of older iPads. This aspect ratio could be ideal for productivity tasks and content consumption.The internal screen is rumored to feature an under-display camera, while the external screen will likely utilize a traditional hole-punch camera design.

Addressing Durability: Hinge Mechanisms and Screen Protection

One of the primary challenges in foldable display technology is durability. The repeated folding and unfolding can lead to creasing and degradation over time. Apple is reportedly exploring various solutions to mitigate these issues.

Innovative Hinge Designs and Self-Healing Technology

An Apple patent from October 2021 detailed a design where the screen curves outward rather than inward during folding. This approach reduces stress on the display but exposes it to environmental factors. To address this, Apple is exploring self-healing materials that can repair minor scratches and imperfections.Another patent from 2020,titled Electronic Devices with Flexible Screen Layers,discusses this self-healing capability.

Liquid Metal Hinge and Power Efficiency

Rumors from March 2025 suggest that Apple is aiming to eliminate visible creases on the foldable display. Analyst Kuo believes Apple will utilize a liquid metal hinge for enhanced durability. This material is reportedly twice as strong as titanium. Moreover, Apple is expected to transition the screen driver integrated circuits from 28nm to 16nm, improving power efficiency and allowing for a thinner battery design. Apple also holds a patent for flexible battery technology, filed in 2020, which could further optimize the device’s form factor.

Form Factor and Battery Life: Balancing Size and power

The rumored 5.49-inch external display is smaller than the 6.1-inch screen found on the current iPhone 16 series. This compact size could appeal to users who prefer a more pocketable device, reminiscent of the iPhone 13 Mini.

Thickness and Design Considerations

According to Kuo, the iPhone Fold is expected to measure between 9mm and 9.5mm when folded and between 4.5mm and 4.8mm when unfolded.These dimensions suggest a relatively slim profile, considering the foldable nature of the device. The design will likely prioritize both aesthetics and functionality, aiming to create a seamless transition between the folded and unfolded states.

The Allure of Foldable Technology: A Market Overview

Foldable smartphones represent a significant shift in mobile technology, offering users a larger screen real estate in a more compact form factor. While Samsung, with its Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series, currently dominates the foldable market, other manufacturers like Google (Pixel Fold) and Motorola (Razr) are also vying for a piece of the pie. Apple’s entry into this arena would undoubtedly reshape the competitive landscape.

According to recent industry reports, the foldable smartphone market is projected to experience considerable growth in the coming years. Statista forecasts that foldable phone shipments will reach over 50 million units by 2027, highlighting the increasing consumer interest in this innovative technology.

iPhone Fold: Price Point Speculation

One of the most debated aspects of the rumored iPhone Fold is its potential price. Given Apple’s premium branding and the advanced technology involved in foldable devices, expectations are high. Several analysts and industry insiders have offered their predictions, painting a picture of a high-end device with a corresponding price tag.

Analyst reports from March 2025 suggested a price point of around $2300 for the iPhone Fold. This aligns with earlier claims from sources like Kuo, who estimated a range between $2000 and $2500. Further leaks in April 2025 narrowed the potential price window to between $2100 and $2300.

“the device could be between 2000-2500 dollars.”

Kuo, march 2025

These estimates position the iPhone fold as a luxury device, potentially targeting early adopters and tech enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge technology. For comparison, the current generation Samsung Galaxy Z Fold retails for around $1800, while the Google Pixel Fold is priced at approximately $1799.

Development Timeline and market Viability

While the exact launch date remains uncertain, the iPhone Fold is believed to be at least a year away from hitting the market. This timeline allows Apple to refine the design, optimize the software, and ensure the device meets its stringent quality standards. However, questions remain about the device’s ultimate performance and reception in the market.

Despite the uncertainties, numerous analysts and leakage sources corroborate the ongoing development of the iPhone Fold. This suggests that Apple is actively exploring the foldable form factor and is committed to delivering a compelling product that aligns with its brand values.

Challenges and Opportunities

Entering the foldable market presents both challenges and opportunities for Apple. On the one hand, the company must overcome technical hurdles related to display durability, hinge design, and software optimization. On the other hand, the iPhone Fold has the potential to attract new customers, expand Apple’s product portfolio, and solidify its position as a leader in mobile innovation.

The success of the iPhone Fold will depend on several factors,including its price,performance,design,and overall user experience. If Apple can deliver a device that seamlessly blends the functionality of a smartphone and a tablet, it could revolutionize the foldable market and set a new standard for mobile technology.