Highlights

• Anticipated launch of Apple’s foldable device between 2026-2027.
• Debate on whether it will be a foldable iPhone or iPad.
• Samsung Display likely to supply foldable panels for Apple.
• Apple also considering a larger 20.5-inch foldable device.

Apple is poised to make a significant leap into the foldable technology space, with industry whispers hinting at a debut as early as 2026 or as late as 2027.

Amidst the swirling rumors and high expectations, Apple’s ventures into creating a foldable device, potentially an iPhone or iPad, are gaining momentum, backed by intriguing patent sketches that have surfaced over time.

The tech juggernaut is simultaneously working on an OLED iPad mini, stirring debates over the direction and specifics of its foldable venture.

The question remains: Will Apple’s foldable innovation lean towards a phone or a tablet?

Apple Foldable: Samsung or LG?

In the background, Apple has been receiving foldable panel samples from giants in the display industry, Samsung Display and LG Display.

These samples, ranging from 7 inches to 8 inches, have been under evaluation since the previous year, signaling Apple’s serious consideration of foldable technology.

Samsung Display appears to be in the lead, playing a more proactive role than LG Display in crafting panels tailored for Apple’s specifications.

This positions Samsung as the frontrunner to supply the foldable panels should Apple solidify its plans for a 2026 unveiling.

Yet, the path to finalizing the foldable device is not without its challenges.

Apple, along with Samsung Display and LG Display, finds itself at a crossroads over several critical components, including the ultra-thin glass material, the protective cover for the foldable panel, and the hinge design—each a pivotal aspect in ensuring the device’s durability and reliability.

Should Apple green-light mass production, Samsung is prepared to manufacture the foldable panels utilizing its 6th generation A3 or A4 OLED lines, which currently produce OLED screens for iPhones.

Folding iPad?

Looking beyond the immediate horizon, Apple is also reportedly exploring a more ambitious foldable project—a 20.5-inch device that could redefine the foldable market.

This larger foldable, which might arrive after the 7- to 8-inch model, has been the subject of speculation by analysts and industry insiders, including reports from The Elec, Bloomberg, and Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) analyst Ross Young.

As Apple navigates these waters, the anticipation for its foldable device continues to build, potentially reshaping the future of its product lineup and setting new standards in the foldable device market.

FAQs

What is Apple’s foldable device expected to be?

Apple is currently exploring foldable technology that could result in either a foldable iPhone or iPad. The decision is yet to be finalized, with patent sketches fueling speculation.

When can we expect Apple to launch its foldable device?

Industry insiders speculate that Apple’s foldable device could debut as early as 2026 or as late as 2027, marking a significant entry into foldable tech.

Who are the potential suppliers for Apple’s foldable panels?

Apple has been evaluating foldable panel samples from both Samsung Display and LG Display. Samsung Display is reportedly taking a more active role, positioning itself as a likely supplier.

What challenges does Apple face in developing its foldable device?

Apple, Samsung Display, and LG Display are navigating complexities around ultra-thin glass material, foldable panel cover, and hinge design to ensure the device’s durability and reliability.

Is there a larger foldable device in development by Apple?

Yes, Apple is rumored to be working on a more ambitious 20.5-inch foldable device that could follow the initial 7- to 8-inch model, potentially redefining the foldable market.

When is Apple’s foldable iPad expected to be released?

The foldable iPad is anticipated to enter mass production by the end of 2024.

What are the technical challenges Apple is facing?

One major hurdle is the visible crease in foldable displays, though strides are being made in mechanical design to mitigate this issue.

Why is Apple focusing on a foldable iPad rather than an iPhone?

The iPad constitutes a smaller percentage of Apple’s sales, making it a strategic choice for testing new, risky technology.

What is the expected price point for the foldable iPad?

Analysts speculate that the price could start at well over $2,000.

Is Apple actually coming with a Foldable IPhone ?

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said, as reported by MacRumors, that “Apple will likely launch a foldable iPhone with an 8-inch QHD Plus flexible OLED display in 2023.” He revised his prediction, in a tweet this past April, to say that it might be 2025 before there’s a foldable screen device from Apple.

How much would you pay for a foldable iPhone?

Foldable phones ain’t cheap. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 starts at $1,800 and the Galaxy Z Flip 4 at $1,000.

And it’s no surprise that prices for Apple products are at the higher end.
So if an iPhone 14 Pro that doesn’t fold in half already costs $1,000, what would be the price for one that does?

For a foldable iPhone to be successful, Apple would need to create a problem-solving design, scale manufacturing without sacrificing quality and develop hardware along with software that make the most of its foldable build.

The price would also have to be premium, but not too high.

How will the Apple Foldable Camera be ?

Foldable iPhone camera While the folding iPhone is at a very early stage and there’s no information about the cameras Apple is planning for it, we can reasonably expect it to have ultra-wide and telephoto cameras, alongside a main one.

And of course, a front-facing selfie camera, possibly inside a notch or using under-display technology, which should have matured enough by 2022.

How will the Foldable iPhone software be ?

If Apple designs a foldable iPhone akin to the Galaxy Z Flip or Moto Razr (2020), then its iOS software won’t need to be too different from that on the average iPhone. The only notable addition would be a new notification screen for the phone’s potential secondary display.

However, if the foldable iPhone is like the Galaxy Z Fold 2 or Surface Duo, meaning that it will unfold into a tablet, there’s the potential for iOS to switch to iPadOS on the fly when the user unfolds the iPhone. Not that iPadOS is notably different from iOS, but its interface is better optimized for larger displays, and it offers split-screen multitasking.

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