Apple Takes Steps Toward Foldable Devices

Apple is set to revolutionize its mobile device lineup with two highly anticipated foldable products, according to reports from multiple sources, including The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg. After years of development, Apple is reportedly targeting a 2026 launch for the foldable iPhone, with a larger foldable iPad-like device following soon after.

The foldable iPhone, which is expected to have a display larger than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, will likely unfold to a screen size of at least 7 inches, offering users a more expansive viewing experience. This innovation is expected to offer a fresh alternative to the traditional iPhone design, with an inward-folding screen that mirrors current trends in the foldable device market. Apple has been working to perfect its hinge mechanism and resolve durability concerns that have plagued existing foldable devices, aiming for a more seamless user experience.

While the foldable iPhone has garnered the most attention, Apple is also reportedly developing a larger device with a 19-inch display when unfolded. This foldable device, often referred to as a "giant iPad," could redefine the laptop category, combining the portability of a tablet with the power of a full-sized computer. Sources suggest that this device has been the primary focus of Apple’s foldable efforts, although the foldable iPhone is expected to launch first.

In addition to these foldable devices, Apple is planning the release of a new iPhone model, the iPhone 17 Air, expected to launch next year. According to The Wall Street Journal, the iPhone 17 Air will be thinner than current models, with a simplified camera system to make it more affordable than the Pro models. Priced around $900, it will offer consumers a sleek, slim phone without the premium features found in the higher-end iPhone models.

These new developments come as Apple looks to regain momentum in a smartphone market increasingly dominated by competition, including foldable phone offerings from rivals like Huawei. Apple’s cautious approach, with a focus on perfecting foldable designs and maintaining its signature high standards, signals a significant shift in the company’s strategy as it prepares to launch the first foldable iPhone and iPad within the next few years.

The foldable iPhone, in particular, could mark a major milestone for Apple, which has taken its time to enter the foldable market. Despite the delays, the company is aiming to release a product that meets its stringent standards for thinness, weight, and energy efficiency—features that have yet to be fully realized in competing foldable devices.

As China's Huawei launched its foldable phone in 2024 and Android phones continue to grow across global markets, Apple now faces even greater competition. Data from research firm IDC showed rival Android phones growing 7.6% this year in Asia (excluding Japan and China), Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, while iPhone sales were projected to climb only 0.4% for the year. These figures highlight the intense competition in the mobile phone market, where manufacturers must continuously adapt to consumer preferences and demands to deliver products that resonate with the market. Apple’s foldable devices, while a significant strategic move, will need to innovate further to stand out in an increasingly crowded market.