Apple to Enter Foldable Phone Market, Likely to Launch 2 New Devices in 2026

Apple is likely to debut in the foldable smartphone market in 2026, as per a report by 9to5Mac. The iPhone maker is planning to launch two new foldable devices. 

Rumours about the development has been around for quite a few years now. But in recent reports, it has come to light that the iPhone maker has crossed the ideation phase.

According, to the Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu, the iPhone maker will reportedly start manufacturing 20.3-inch foldable device in late 2025. Next in line would be a foldable iPhone in 2026. Hence, chances of its launch in 2026 are quite high. 

With its entry into the foldable smartphone market, Apple is likely to target the “ultra-high-end market.” According to some media reports, Apple has decided to go ahead with clamshell-style fold iPhone and a book-style fold iPad. The company is required to make changes to its existing user interface and experience to enable multitasking efficient on a foldable smartphone. 

Companies like Oppo, Motorola, Vivo and Samsung already launched foldable smartphones in the country. Recently, Samsung launched its Galaxy Z Fold 6. It has AI features like circle to search, sketch to image, portrait studio, note assist with transcription and summarization options available, interpreter and chat assist along with translation and writing style changes. 

As Apple plans its entry in the foldable smartphones segment it will face competition from other existing players, especially from the pioneer of the segment Samsung. 

Meanwhile, Apple is also eyeing on expanding its manufacturing and retail businesses in India. Apple’s CEO Tim Cook said, “I see it as an incredibly exciting market and it’s a major focus for us.”  

Apple’s popularity in India is already growing with the company’s sales going up by 33 per cent to nearly $8 billion for the financial year 2024. In the coming three years, the iPhone maker is likely to offer employment to nearly 5 lakh Indians. This comes at a time when the iPhone maker is considering shifting 50 per cent of its manufacturing supply chain from China to India.