Apple, a leader in technological innovation, is reportedly preparing to enter the foldable device market, a space currently dominated by companies like Samsung, Huawei, and Oppo. According to multiple reports, Apple is actively developing foldable versions of its iconic iPhone and iPad. These developments, if realized, could mark a significant evolution in Apple’s product lineup and reshape its approach to mobile devices.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple is working on two foldable devices aimed at different markets. One is a foldable iPhone which will deliver a larger screen experience while maintaining the portability of a smartphone. The other is a larger foldable device, described as having a 19-inch display, which could position it as a hybrid between an iPad and a desktop monitor. This larger device is expected to target productivity-focused users who want the flexibility of a foldable design without compromising on-screen real estate.
Apple Reportedly Developing Foldable iPhone and iPad: What We Know So Far
While the foldable iPhone will be further along in development, Apple is reportedly targeting a launch as early as 2026, though delays could push this timeline back to 2027. The larger foldable iPad-like device, meanwhile, is believed to be in earlier stages of development.
Adding to the speculation, Bloomberg reports that Apple’s primary focus has been on the larger foldable device, which insiders describe as a “giant iPad.” While the company is actively exploring the feasibility of a foldable iPhone, the larger foldable seems to be receiving more attention from Apple’s engineers and designers.
One of the major challenges Apple is addressing in these devices is the issue of screen creasing—a common problem with current foldable devices on the market. Apple is reportedly making significant progress in designing a foldable screen that minimizes or entirely eliminates the visible crease when you unfold the screen. If successful, this innovation could set Apple’s foldables apart from competitors and reinforce its reputation for premium-quality devices.
The introduction of foldable devices could be Apple’s answer to the growing demand for multi-functional and innovative mobile technology. Foldables combine the portability of smartphones with the immersive screen experience of tablets and laptops, offering versatility for work, entertainment, and gaming. For Apple, foldables represent an opportunity to not only keep pace with industry trends but to redefine the foldable category with its hallmark focus on design and user experience.
Although specific details about pricing and features remain unclear, Apple’s entry into the foldable market could create significant buzz and intensify competition. The foldable iPhone might come with a display larger than the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max, while the foldable iPad could challenge traditional laptops and desktop monitors with its expansive screen and innovative design.
As Apple refines these products, the foldable devices could symbolize a major shift in how we interact with technology, blending functionality with futuristic aesthetics. While their release is still years away, Apple enthusiasts and industry watchers alike are eagerly anticipating what the company has in store.
