Ready to Fold: Rumors Swirl About Apple's Breakthrough Foldable iPhone for 2026
Tech giant Apple reportedly plans to launch a foldable iPhone by 2026.
Get ready for a game-changer in the smartphone world! Top-notch Apple insider Ming-Chi Kuo spills the beans on the company's upcoming foldable iPhone, which just might make its debut as early as 2026.
Apple's Big Move
If Kuo's predictions pan out, we can expect Apple to kick-start foldable iPhone prep work this year itself! Foxconn, Apple's trusted manufacturer, will reportedly lead the project, anticipating a powerful addition to Apple's product lineup.
Mysteries Galore
Although preparations are slated to commence by the end of 2025 (Q3 or Q4), mass production is expected to kick off only in the second half of 2027. Kuo has shared some details, but many aspects, such as the device's hinge design and components, remain a mystery.
Displaying Progress
One area where details are clear is the display: Samsung Display (SDC) will supply the flexible screen, consistent with their expertise and the high-quality panels in today's devices. The manufacturer plans to build an annual production capacity of seven to eight million displays for the foldable iPhone.
Pocket-Friendly Luxury
According to Kuo, Apple has ordered 15 to 20 million foldable iPhones, potentially representing the demand over the device's lifecycle (two to three years), rather than just sales during the first year. This could hint at a premium price tag due to the device's anticipated limited production and high manufacturing costs.
The Race to AI
Kuo indicates that the foldable iPhone could feature advanced AI capabilities, an area where Apple currently lags behind competitors in integrating powerful AI assistants. The exact timing of this capability and whether it will be ready for the fall 2026 launch is yet to be seen.
Touch ID Returns
Regarding hardware, Apple might opt for a fingerprint sensor (Touch ID) on the power button, as there might not be enough room for facial recognition (Face ID) in the slim chassis, making the device just 9 to 9.5 mm thick when closed and around 4.5 to 4.8 mm when open.
Unraveling the Enigma
The foldable iPhone will most likely adopt a longitudinally foldable design, akin to the Galaxy Z Fold, featuring a substantial internal display (7.8 inches) and an external screen (approximately 5.5 inches). The device might use a combination of stainless steel and titanium alloy for the hinge and incorporate highly efficient batteries, like those expected in the iPhone Air.
Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge about this exciting new device from Apple!
The Commission has also been consulted on the following issues: advanced AI capabilities, touch ID, foldable gadgets, smartphones, technology, and hinge design for the upcoming foldable iPhone.
It is expected that the foldable iPhone, set to be released in 2026, will incorporate an advanced AI assistant feature, which Apple is currently lacking in comparison to competitors, along with Touch ID on the power button instead of Face ID due to space constraints. Moreover, the Commission may be examining the technology, design, and materials used in the foldable gadget, such as the hinge design, stainless steel and titanium alloy for the hinge, and high-capacity batteries.
