Mobile press office – Apple’s first foldable iPhone is rumored to launch in the second half of 2026. A new report claims that the first foldable iPhone could have a book-style design like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, not the clamshell design of the Galaxy Z Flip. Display industry expert Ross Young has suggested that if Apple enters the foldable phone market in two years, it will likely opt for a Fold-like design. This information comes from Young’s response on X, where he responded “fold” when asked about the possible design of Apple’s foldable iPhone.
The report cites Young’s Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) as saying that sales of foldable products are expected to increase by only 5% this year, while they are expected to decline by 4% in 2025. This contrasts with the steady growth of the display supply chain market. year-over-year by at least 40% since 2019. However, September 2026 is still a long way off, so it may be too early to believe these rumors about Apple’s potential first foldable phone. However, there are several good reasons to believe that Apple might prefer a “folded” design rather than an “upside-down” design.
By 2026, consumer preferences could shift more towards the “iPhone Fold” than the “iPhone Flip”. The DSCC report estimates that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will surpass its previous model, the Galaxy Z Fold 5, this year. Meanwhile, sales of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 are expected to be 10% lower than those of the Galaxy Z Flip 5, although the DSCC report estimates that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will outsell its previous model, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 , This year. The Z Flip remains the best-selling foldable phone on the market.
What will be special about Apple’s first foldable iPhone?
Apple could also have an opportunity to make a big impact here, as it plans to enter the foldable phone segment, which it has been cautious about so far. The iPhone Fold, with its larger screen, will allow Apple to offer greater flexibility. design and features, positioning the phone as a cutting-edge innovation. Such a move could refresh Apple’s product lineup and attract users looking for a versatile device that combines advanced design and functionality.
Additionally, the iPhone Fold could be more profitable for Apple, as it is likely to be priced higher. Notably, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 has a starting price of $999 (roughly Rs. 85,000), while the entry-level Galaxy Z Fold 6 is priced at $1,799 (roughly Rs. 1,52,000 if you think it’s Apple’s first foldable phone). If waiting until the end of 2026 is too long, another option is coming soon: the “iPhone 17 Air”, which will launch next year. It should happen. This could be Apple’s thinnest iPhone model yet and could replace the iPhone Plus in the lineup. Along with this, the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max are also expected to arrive.
