- Apple Inc is planning to launch its first foldable iPhone as early as 2026, in what would be the biggest hardware design change to the company’s most popular product since its launch.
- Apple has reached out to Asian suppliers to manufacture components for the device and has given the product an internal code name of V68.
OUR TAKE
Apple has been developing foldable screen technology for some time and has applied for related patents. According to reports, Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to be thinner and lighter than competitors on the market, and Apple is working to fix the crease problem common to foldable phones to provide an invulnerable foldable screen product.
-Rae Li, BTW reporter
What happened
Apple is planning to unveil its first foldable iPhone, which is expected to be released as early as 2026. Apple’s plan is likely to mimic the strategy of Samsung Electronics. Samsung was the first to launch a foldable phone in 2019 in a bid to attract new customers with a major update to its hardware design.
At the same time, Apple has approached Asian suppliers to manufacture components for the device and has given the product an internal code name of V68. In addition, Apple plans to upgrade the camera on at least one iPhone to allow users to control the aperture sise through a mechanical system to create a depth of field effect. Despite these plans and expectations, there is currently no guarantee that Apple will release a foldable iPhone in 2026.
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Why it’s important
Foldable smartphones, especially those equipped with AI capabilities, are expected to spur demand for Apple’s products, as the company faces stiff competition from Honor and Huawei in China and competes with Samsung globally. According to a counterpoint research report, the global foldable smartphone market grew 49% year-on-year in Q1 which is the highest growth rate since the 6th quarter, and Huawei surpassed Samsung for the first time to become the market leader.
Apple’s plan to introduce a foldable iPhone demonstrates the company’s pursuit of technological innovation and its commitment to market leadership, and its entry may promote the further development and popularisation of this technology while enhancing Apple’s competitiveness. Apple’s move could have far-reaching implications for the entire smartphone industry. Not only will it intensify competition between Apple and rivals such as Samsung, but it could also affect the market strategies of other smartphone makers.
