In recent years, everyone in the tech industry has been asking the same question. When will Apple release a foldable iPhone? With Samsung adopting an alternative form in 2019, and other Android brands like Google Pixel and OnePlus following suit in the following years, this seems like a natural conclusion. Well, we’ve checked out all the rumors, leaks, and industry whispers, and we’ve got some ideas for what Apple might have in store in the future.
In compact, it seems likely that Apple will release a foldable iPhone before the end of the decade. A wave of rumors that emerged earlier in 2024 suggested that the brand intended to launch the product in 2026 or 2027. However, a more recent report from last month suggests that Apple is currently sourcing parts and finalizing the designs for its first foldable iPhone, so you’ll be able to play the best Apple Arcade games on a larger screen before the end of 2025.
Either way, the general consensus seems to indicate that a foldable iPhone is in the works. This is no surprise, as all research data suggests that the form factor is becoming more and more popular. According to a report from TrendForceFoldable phones currently account for about 1.5% of the market, but it is expected that this number could escalate to 5% by the end of 2025. Apple is not a company that will pass up a piece of the pie, so it makes sense that it would soon be stuck with its own foldable device, whether it be a book or a clamshell
When it does arrive, we expect the foldable iPhone to be a real contender for our guide to the best iPhones for gaming, especially if it’s book-like like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. There’s something about this foldable case that’s suitable for gaming , especially in games like Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail, as there is much more screen space to see the intricacies of detail. Performance isn’t an issue either. We already know that Apple silicon delivers, as our iPhone 16 review makes clear.
It is worth noting that although much of this speculation is based on information from reliable sources, there is always the possibility that Apple’s plans may change. Despite the great reception in the industry and the increasing sales of devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, we have seen various reports saying that OnePlus may abandon the foldable form factor. We haven’t received any confirmation from the Android brand itself, but this may indicate that the foldable form factor is not yet popular enough to provide the profits that enormous mobile phone manufacturers expect.
Moreover, Huawei introduced the first tri-fold design this year, and it seems that Samsung and Xiaomi are planning to follow suit. This could mean bad news regarding the likelihood of a foldable iPhone, as it would potentially mean Apple releasing a dual-display foldable phone while the industry would once again move forward with triple foldable phones. Apple is a brand that likes to lead, as it did with the original iPhone, and there is a risk that some will see the California tech giant as slow to the party while other brands are innovating at a faster pace.
The final point of contention may be the price. As of this writing, none of the latest 2024 book-style foldable flagship models are available for under $1,000. While Apple doesn’t mind releasing an costly device – I’m looking at you, Vision Pro – it’s possible the brand is waiting for prices to drop across the industry before dipping its toe into the foldable water. For now, it looks like the brand is focusing on launching a cheaper phone, which we expect to launch early next year alongside the iPhone SE 4.
So, to answer the question we asked at the beginning of this article, we expect the foldable iPhone to arrive before the end of 2027, although it could happen sooner. Provided that Apple’s plans do not change, which does not seem likely, but is always possible. If you can’t wait that long, our guides to the best foldable phones and the best flip phones offer plenty of options, including some cheaper devices you can check out today.
