Apple has been working on foldable iPhones for quite some time, but it has yet to release a device with a foldable screen. The first foldable iPhone will reportedly be released in 2026, and depending on when it comes out that year, it will likely rival the Galaxy Z Flip 7 or the Galaxy Z Flip 8.
First foldable iPhone could launch in 2026
According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, the first foldable iPhone will have an inward folding screen. Its display will reportedly measure at least 7 inches diagonally, making it bigger than the 6.9-inch display on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. In comparison, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 has a 6.7-inch foldable screen.
Apparently, Apple experimented with screens that fold outwards, similar to some foldable phones from Huawei. However, it ultimately settled for an inward folding screen, similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z series devices.
The iPhone maker has been working on foldable devices for years, but it faced issues with the hinge and the display cover. Now that the company has crossed most major hurdles, Apple executives are pushing for a release in 2026. However, as usual, the company might wait another year to get things right.
A report from Bloomberg claims that Apple is also working on a larger device intended to be used as a laptop. That device reportedly features a screen that unfolds into a 19-inch display. This device was initially planned to be released first, but Apple is now favoring launching the foldable iPhone first.
