Apple's Foldable Plans Revealed: iPhone Fold and Foldable iPad Slated for 2026 Debut

Apple's Foldable Plans Revealed: iPhone Fold and Foldable iPad Slated for 2026 DebutRenowned analyst Jeff Pu has recently released a prediction, stating that Apple is set to unveil a line of foldable devices in 2026, including the highly anticipated iPhone Fold and a foldable iPad. This aligns with previous rumors about the iPhone Fold's release date and suggests that Apple is actively preparing for the foldable market

Apple's Foldable Plans Revealed: iPhone Fold and Foldable iPad Slated for 2026 Debut

Renowned analyst Jeff Pu has recently released a prediction, stating that Apple is set to unveil a line of foldable devices in 2026, including the highly anticipated iPhone Fold and a foldable iPad. This aligns with previous rumors about the iPhone Fold's release date and suggests that Apple is actively preparing for the foldable market.

According to Jeff Pu, Apple initially aimed for an earlier launch of foldable devices but encountered technical hurdles, particularly with the durability of foldable screen panels, delaying development and ultimately impacting the release timeline. Earlier reports indicated that Apple had tested foldable displays from Samsung and LG but was disappointed with the results. The samples provided by both suppliers reportedly malfunctioned within a matter of days, failing to meet Apple's stringent quality standards, leading to a temporary halt in development.

However, the rise of foldable phones in the high-end market, accompanied by increasing sales numbers, has compelled Apple to accelerate its foldable product development. To meet this challenge, Apple is set to introduce two heavyweight products: the iPhone Fold and a foldable iPad, with a formal launch planned for the second half of 2026.

The iPhone Fold's design concept is expected to align with Apple's existing iPhone series, incorporating foldable screen technology. It is likely to adopt a horizontal folding design similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series. Meanwhile, the foldable iPad will offer a larger screen size, potentially serving as a replacement for the iPad mini with a screen size expected to fall between 7 and 8 inches. Additionally, there are reports about Apple developing a 20-inch large-screen foldable device, although details remain scarce.

Beyond the foldable product line, Jeff Pu also mentions a new model in the iPhone 17 series: the iPhone 17 Slim. This new model is slated to replace the iPhone 17 Plus, featuring a slimmer design and, for the first time, incorporating Apple's self-developed 5G baseband chip.

Apple's entry into the foldable market is poised to reshape the competitive landscape of the smartphone industry. As a technology leader, Apple's participation will further propel the development of foldable technology, offering consumers more innovative and practical product experiences.

It's worth noting that details surrounding Apple's foldable product line are still limited, and specific specifications and features require further confirmation. However, it's undeniable that Apple's involvement will inject new life into the foldable market and spark a wave of technological innovation.