Within the technology sector, various trends tend to come and go all the time, depending on public response and the practicality of each idea. Apple, which for many years resisted the trend of foldable devices, seems to have now changed its perspective on this proposal. According to supplier analyses, the first iPhone with a flexible screen would not only arrive in 2026, but would be the protagonist of the company’s new strategy to reorganize its product line.
Apple is betting on the first foldable iPhone as a symbol of a new phase
Apple’s 2026 release plan, in addition to maintaining the tradition of bringing technological innovations and improvements to its devices, also comes as a strategic plan for the company, which is reportedly planning a complete reorganization of its available models, abandoning the static format of four devices per year. Instead, the new line would be presented in blocks: three models in the North American fall and another three months later, a change that mirrors the update pace imposed by Asian competitors.
Among the major releases for next year would be the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra. It would assume the position of an aspirational product, offering a large screen, a transforming design, and a suite of features focused on multitasking. For consumers of the brand who are accustomed to the usability of Apple products, the new device would be comparable to the launch of the new “Pro” in 2019 or the first iPhone with Face ID in 2017.
The device’s design follows a “book” style, where the user operates an external display for quick tasks and, upon opening the device, finds an internal screen similar to an iPad mini. It’s not a new concept in the foldable market, but it’s expected that Apple will seek to mature the category before entering it.
Rumors of specifications suggest a search for a foldable phone with no visible creases
For the past decade, Apple executives have avoided foldable prototypes for one persistent reason: the visible crease in the center of the screen. On Android models, this feature is often visible both when closing and touching the screen, something that bothers those expecting a premium look.
Furthermore, the company is also reportedly working with ultra-thin glass and a hinge system created with liquid metals, which could be more resistant to deformation and help reduce mechanical wear over time. Regarding the lenses, the foldable iPhone would retain a dual 48MP rear camera setup, while the front-facing system would utilize a lens under the internal screen.
Authentication technologies and ultra-thin design
Another noteworthy point is the choice to use Touch ID on the side button, replacing the traditional Face ID. Removing the hardware necessary for facial recognition would allow for a thickness lower than that seen in regular iPhones. Although not confirmed, it is possible that it is a device with a thickness of 4.5 mm when open and between 9 and 9.5 mm when closed.
Catalog changes may force users to reassess their shopping habits
A complete reorganization of the lineup is, in a way, a risk, as it could generate dissatisfaction among the most loyal consumers. A likely scenario is the temporary removal of “basic” models at the start of the cycle, making room for more premium versions. This would cause regular iPhone buyers to consider upgrading to the Pro or waiting months for the arrival of the mid-range models.
Given the increasing maturity of the foldable market, there are many indications that Apple is preparing to attack this niche market for smartphones, offering a product that combines the main features of its smartphones with this type of design. The iPhone Fold will be an invitation to change the habits of those who follow the brand, and 2026 could be the year this happens.
