According to recent analysis from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is developing a premium-priced folding iPhone, with a potential launch in 2026. The move is seen as a strategic effort to find new growth avenues for its iPhone business, which accounted for $201 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2024 but has seen growth flatten.
Supply chain reports indicate the device’s display has finalized specifications and will be manufactured by Samsung Display, which is reportedly preparing an annual production capacity of seven to eight million foldable panels for Apple. However, other critical components, such as the hinge mechanism, are not yet finalized, suggesting plans could still change.
Apple would be entering a challenging market. Competitors like Samsung and Huawei have offered foldables since 2019, but the category has struggled with hardware issues and has yet to achieve mainstream adoption. Market data from Counterpoint Research shows the foldable segment grew by only about 3% in 2024 and is projected to decline in 2025, with analysts anticipating a market rebound in 2026 contingent on Apple’s entry.
