Design issues may push Apple’s foldable iPhone launch to late 2026 

WEB DESK: It’s been five years since foldable phones hit the market, and companies like Samsung, Google, Motorola, Huawei, and Oppo have flooded the space with all sorts of designs, from book-style phones to retro clamshells. But one major player has stayed silent: Apple. 

While Android makers continue to refine their foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and new Razr Plus all feature slick designs and stronger folding screens, Apple has yet to introduce a bendable iPhone. Rumours have swirled for years, and while nothing has been confirmed, leaks suggest the company is quietly developing what’s being called the “iPhone Flip”, a placeholder name until Apple reveals the real one. 

So what’s taking Apple so long? 

Apple’s current focus is clearly elsewhere. Its iPhone 16 lineup launched in September 2024, introducing a new AI-powered camera button and features via iOS 18. The more affordable iPhone 16E also debuted Apple’s first in-house modem. On top of that, the company’s been pushing ‘Apple Intelligence’, its suite of generative AI tools, across devices including the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Hardware innovation, especially in the foldable category, appears to be taking a back seat. 

Still, progress is reportedly underway. Back in July, The Information reported that Apple had moved its foldable iPhone beyond the concept stage, even assigning it the internal codename “V68”. According to that report, Apple is now working on a clamshell-style design, and if all goes smoothly, it could hit the market by 2026. 

Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently added fuel to the fire. He said Apple has placed early component orders and is eyeing a production start sometime in 2025, with a potential release in 2026. The company is reportedly targeting 15–20 million units for its initial run, an ambitious figure, given that fewer than 20 million foldables were sold globally in 2024, according to IDC. 

Kuo’s earlier reports suggested Apple might also be working on a book-style foldable with a 7.8-inch inner screen and a 5.5-inch outer display, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold, rather than a smaller flip phone. If true, the iPhone Flip could cost somewhere between $2,000 and $2,500. 

Even so, Apple’s been wrestling with the same problem that haunts all foldables: the crease. Samsung has made noticeable improvements in the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6, but the crease is still visible and noticeable. Apple is reportedly determined to eliminate it, or at least make it nearly invisible, before launching its own device. 

Some patents granted to Apple as far back as 2023 show the company has been working on folding tech for years. Alongside the iPhone Flip, Apple is also exploring foldable displays for iPads and MacBooks, though those may not arrive until 2027 owing to production issues. 

For now, the wait continues. While earlier predictions pointed to a possible launch in 2025, ongoing challenges with the foldable display and hinge design have caused delays. Some analysts now believe Apple’s first foldable device may not arrive until 2027 or even 2028. 

Will Apple eventually release a foldable iPhone? Most likely, yes, but only when the company is confident it meets its high standards. That perfectionist approach could keep fans waiting a little longer. 

Even when it does launch globally, the foldable iPhone may take time to reach Pakistan. And when it does, it’s expected to come with a hefty price tag. If local distributors like Mercantile handle its import, the phone could cost anywhere between Rs900,000 and Rs1 million, once taxes and PTA approval charges are factored in. 

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