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Apple's 2026 Foldable iPhone Could Reinvigorate Stalling Market

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The foldable smartphone market has stalled with customer interest in foldables waning, but that could change when Apple debuts a foldable iPhone, according to display analyst Ross Young.

Flip iPhone Thumb 1
In a report on the current foldable smartphone market, Young says that Apple is expected to "enter the foldable market" in the second half of 2026. Apple's "dominant position in flagship smartphones" could potentially lead to significant growth for the foldable market in 2026, ultimately leading to a record year for foldables.

Young expects more than 30 percent growth in the foldable market in 2026, followed by continued 20 percent growth in 2027 and 2028.

There have long been rumors suggesting that Apple is developing a foldable iPhone, and some analysts believe that Apple will finally debut a foldable iPhone around September of 2026.

The first foldable iPhone could be between 7.9 and 8.3 inches in size, and it may have a "clamshell" design like Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip. A clamshell iPhone would fold in half vertically rather than horizontally, allowing for a full-size iPhone when unfolded, and a smaller, pocketable device when folded.

Related Roundup: iPhone Fold
Tag: Foldable iPhone Guide

Top Rated Comments

TheWraith Avatar
TheWraith
17 months ago
This will not work. There is no new market—it's saturated.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
UltimateSyn Avatar
UltimateSyn
17 months ago
I wish they would adopt the ‘fold’ form factor instead of the ‘flip’. A vertical fold has the advantage of giving you a massive screen when it’s unfolded, but the flip just…. Is shorter when it’s folded.. I don’t see a lot of advantages with the latter.
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tweaknmod Avatar
tweaknmod
17 months ago

My gosh, can the MR design team not come up with anything more creative than that hideous rendering of a current design iPhone broken in half? They have used it a few times in the past now, and it gets more cringe with each posting.
* If you’re going to criticize someone’s work, maybe try offering constructive criticism - or even suggest an alternative.
* In my mind, you don’t get to criticize someone’s creativity unless you are actively putting something out there yourself. Where’re your creative works for the world to ridicule as you have here?
* These websites are operating under increasingly tight budgets and resources, so a writer might have to learn the basics of graphic design. If you want to keep this type of content free, then I suggest you give them a break.

The fact that flippant, condescending, or otherwise rude comments online are the norm - and even celebrated with ‘likes’ -does not make them acceptable, if you ask me. I refuse to stop calling them out when I see them.

There are people behind these articles and graphics. Try being nice - even online.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
T
TechnoMonk
17 months ago
Young in 2026: “ Apple postponed the foldable iPhone plans coz **Insert some random Reason**. Heads Young wins, Tails Apple losses. That is Apple rumors/Analyst 101.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
R
raythompsontn
17 months ago

my 13PM will have to last another 22 months
You don't have to wait. You can fold your 13PM now. Downside, only once, and working is questionable.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FattiesGoneWild Avatar
FattiesGoneWild
17 months ago
It will bomb just as bad as the Apple Vision Pro, maybe even worse. Very niche for people that want it and it’s far from the masses.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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