Per a TrendForce report released in June, a foldable iPhone being released in 2026 seems “unlikely.”
The company, which monitors and forecasts demand for components, says that 2027 is the earliest date Apple is likely to launch a folding iPhone …
While reports of a foldable iPhone have dated back for many years, and the launch of folding Android phones only fanned the flames, Apple apparently left the trial and error work to rival Samsung to see how things went.
Samsung, in turn, may have launched the technology too early with its Galaxy Fold model, which proved to be a disaster. While pre-orders went well, it was just 48 hours before major problems were found as reviewers tested the device. Samsung initially said it delayed the launch until May before canceling pre-orders. The company then talked about a July launch, before canceling that too. When the product finally launched, it was noted that the screen cracked within days of arrival.
TrendForce has also noted that folding phones currently make up only 1.5 percent of the smartphone market in 2024. The company has predicted that the segment will grow, but not dramatically. It forecasts a market penetration of 4.8 percent by 2028.
TrendForce has also noted that Apple is still evaluating component specifications and performance, with strict requirements for crease and reliability.
The key issue at hand here seems to be creasing, and while some dual-screen devices have a bezel between them, most folding devices use a single flexible screen. Android brands, in turn, have struggled with the crease, which risks the unit breaking when the device is repeatedly folded and unfolded. This action also makes the device vulnerable to small pieces of trapped debris, and even dust, which can further harm the unit.
It’s long been believed that Apple isn’t yet satisfied with any of the folding screen tech it has evaluated, and the TrendForce report seems to support this view.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via 9to5Mac and TrendForce