Apple is reportedly developing a premium-priced folding iPhone, potentially launching in 2026, as part of a strategic effort to boost its iPhone business, according to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
The device’s display has finalized specifications and will be manufactured by Samsung Display, which is preparing an annual production capacity of seven to eight million foldable panels for Apple, as indicated by supply chain reports. However, other critical components, such as the hinge mechanism, are still not finalized, suggesting that plans could still change.
Entering the foldable market poses a challenge for Apple, as competitors like Samsung and Huawei have offered foldables since 2019, but the category has struggled with hardware issues and has yet to achieve mainstream adoption. Market data from Counterpoint Research shows that the foldable segment grew by only about 3% in 2024 and is projected to decline in 2025, with analysts anticipating a market rebound in 2026 contingent on Apple’s entry.
Apple’s iPhone business generated $201 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2024, but has seen growth flatten, making the potential launch of a folding iPhone a significant move to find new growth avenues.
