Apple is entering the foldable device market. According to current information from reliable sources, including renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will launch a foldable iPhone in 2026. A foldable iPad is expected to follow two years later. With this, the company is focusing on a new device category that has been driven primarily by competitors like Samsung and Huawei in recent years. The technology behind it is complex, and the market potential is enormous.
For years, there has been speculation about whether and when Apple will introduce a foldable device. Initially, there was often talk of a foldable iPad or even a foldable MacBook, sometimes with different display sizes and unclear positioning. Current information now clearly indicates that Apple will first release a foldable iPhone before a larger device—which, in its final form, will apparently be classified as a foldable iPad. Both devices are said to be equipped with ultra-thin cover glass, which Apple is developing in collaboration with Corning and GIS.
Foldable iPhone planned for 2026
The first foldable iPhone is scheduled to launch in 2026 and will be part of the iPhone 18 series. It will be Apple's first direct entry into the foldable smartphone market. According to Kuo, the device will use ultra-thin glass supplied by Corning. Glass processing—such as cutting, rounding corners, inspection, packaging, and shipping—will be handled by General Interface Solutions (GIS), another established supplier in the Apple ecosystem. Sales expectations are high: Apple expects to sell between 8 and 10 million units in the year of its launch. Kuo anticipates up to 25 million units sold in 2027. These forecasts suggest that Apple is planning the device as a mass-market model—not a niche product.
Foldable iPad to follow in 2028
The second foldable device is a larger model, currently referred to as the foldable iPad. Release is planned for 2028. When unfolded, the device will have a screen size between 18 and 20 inches. When folded, it will be more compact. In the past, it was unclear whether this device would be an iPad or a MacBook. Now, everything indicates that both terms refer to the same product. According to Kuo, the larger foldable device will be priced significantly higher than the foldable iPhone. The expected sales figures are correspondingly lower. Apple appears to be positioning the foldable iPad more as a premium or specialized device, for example, for professional applications or particularly tech-savvy target groups.
Ultra-fine glass as a central component
A recurring theme in the reports is the use of ultra-thin cover glass. While many other manufacturers rely on plastic for foldable displays, Apple deliberately uses glass. The advantage is greater stability, a better feel during use, and better scratch resistance. However, the technology also requires more complex processing, which is why GIS is closely involved in production with Corning. The decision to use glass instead of plastic indicates a focus on quality and durability. Apple apparently wants to avoid early generations of foldable devices suffering from problems such as bending, scratches, or wear – a problem that has occurred several times with competing products in the past.
Apple enters the foldable device market in a controlled manner
With the launch of a foldable iPhone in 2026 and a foldable iPad in 2028, Apple plans a structured entry into the foldable device market. While the iPhone will have a broader footprint and is intended to reach millions of users, the iPad is intended more as a premium technical product. The materials used and the manufacturing partners speak for a high level of quality. Whether Apple can truly set new standards with this will become clear starting in 2026. One thing is clear: With this strategy, Apple is entering a new product category – not as the first, but with the ambition to raise the bar. (Image: Shutterstock / WML Image)
- iPhone 17: Will prices really remain almost unchanged?
- AirPods Pro 3: Not all new features available right away?
- Apple relies on robotics: Focus on manufacturing without humans
- iPhone Fold: Analyst refutes rumor about Touch ID in the display
- iPhone 17: No more SIM card slot in the EU?
- iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case – Leak shows radical redesign
- iPhone 17: TechWoven cases with a striking number of holes
- iPhone 17 gets accessories with magnetic carrying concept
- Apple secures almost half of TSMC's 2nm chips
- Apple is testing premium iPad Pro displays for future iPhones
- Apple discusses acquisition of Mistral AI and Perplexity
- AirPods Pro 3: These design changes are in the works
- iPhone 17 Pro: Is reverse wireless charging finally coming?
- iPhone 17: New case leaks show exciting colors
- AirPods Pro 3 will be released in 2025 with exciting features
- Apple Health+: AI-powered health coach from 2026
- iPhone future plans: Three designs in three years
- AirPods Max: Why Apple isn't planning a real update
- Foldable iPhone 2026: Apple's biggest smartphone leap
- Apple is negotiating with Google: Will Gemini AI soon come to Siri?
- iPhone 18: Apple focuses on simplifying the camera button
- Apple is planning a completely new strategy for the iPhone 18
