Apple Rumored to Enter Foldable Phone Market by 2026

Apple has been notoriously slow to adopt new smartphone trends, but it seems they're finally catching up with rumours that the Cupertino giant might finally be ready to dive headfirst into the world of foldable phones.

According to a recent report by Fortune, the tech giant is working on a "clamshell" style foldable device, similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip. Codenamed "V68," this potential iPhone is rumoured to hit shelves in 2026.

Another report by The Verge suggests that Apple might also be working on a foldable iPad, indicating that the company could use similar techniques and technology for a scaled-down mobile version.

If these rumours are true, we can expect a sleek, premium foldable device that's packed with Apple's signature features, positioned to take on competitors like Huawei and Samsung, who currently dominate well over 50% of the foldable market . 

CHART: Global Foldable Smartphone Shipments in Q1 2024
A major factor behind Huawei’s growth was its shift to 5G in foldable devices.

Also, Apple has a reputation for prioritizing user experience, so it'll be interesting to see how it tackles the challenges of a foldable screen, like the infamous crease.

But before we get too excited about a "potential" foldable iPhone or iPad, one thing that is confirmed is the launch of Apple's latest smartphone flagship - the iPhone 16 series, set to hit shelves later this year, possibly in September.