Could Foldable iPhones and iPads be Apple’s Next Big Thing?
Althought late into the game, Apple has a reputation for stepping into established markets and redefining them.
For years, rumours about a foldable iPad and iPhone have been floating around, sparking speculations.
But now, fresh rumours suggest Apple is getting serious about entering the foldable market – which is projected to cross 100 million in shipment by 2027, with plans to launch its first foldable iPhone as early as 2026—or perhaps 2027 if things take longer than expected, according to a Bloomberg report.
According to the sources, Apple is working on not just one but two foldable devices. The first is a smaller model—a foldable iPhone with a screen that’s larger than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Emmanuel Oyedeji
The second is a much bigger device, boasting an 18.8-inch display that could rival desktop monitors. Another report by The Wall Street Journal claims the company’s industrial design team has already developed prototypes with a nearly invisible crease—a huge feat considering the visible folds that still plague competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold and Huawei's tri-fold, Mate XT.
While details about its operating system are still unclear, it’s expected to deliver the core iOS experience, possibly with enhancements for foldable functionality. As exciting as it sounds, there’s always the chance of delays, so the timeline might shift to 2027.
Louis Eriakha
Meanwhile, Apple’s larger foldable device is being described as a “giant iPad” that looks like two iPad Pros side by side. It’s a bold concept, and while it won’t be a true iPad-Mac hybrid, it could bridge the gap between the two. There’s talk that this device might run a version of iPadOS that’s advanced enough to handle macOS apps by 2028, though its final software remains a mystery.
While competitors like Samsung and ASUS are already setting the pace of foldable technology in the smartphone and laptop categories, Apple has a reputation for stepping into established markets and redefining them.
It would be interesting to see if Apple’s foldables truly deliver on the hype, or if they fall short and struggle like Apple's recent venture into the augmented and virtual reality space with its Vision Pro headset.
For now, these devices are still in development, but with multiple reliable sources hinting at Apple’s progress, it seems like the era of foldable Apple devices might not be far off.
Emmanuel Oyedeji
