Apple's foldable iPhone and MacBook: A 2026 launch possible, but hinge and screen durability remain major hurdles

Apple's foldable iPhone and MacBook: A 2026 launch possible, but hinge and screen durability remain major hurdlesAccording to a report by Kuaitech on December 16th, Apple is secretly developing two highly anticipated foldable devices: a foldable iPhone and a foldable MacBook. This represents a bold move by Apple into the foldable device market, signaling a significant shift in its future product strategy

Apple's foldable iPhone and MacBook: A 2026 launch possible, but hinge and screen durability remain major hurdles

According to a report by Kuaitech on December 16th, Apple is secretly developing two highly anticipated foldable devices: a foldable iPhone and a foldable MacBook. This represents a bold move by Apple into the foldable device market, signaling a significant shift in its future product strategy. The foldable iPhone is particularly noteworthy, with an expected unfolded screen size of at least 7 inches, exceeding the 6.9 inches of the current iPhone 16 Pro Max, making it Apple's largest model ever.

The report suggests that Apple executives aim for a 2026 market launch for the foldable iPhone. However, achieving this goal is challenging. Apple's R&D team is grappling with two significant technical hurdles: hinge reliability and the durability of the foldable screen cover. These challenges directly impact the final product's user experience and market competitiveness.

Hinge issues have long been a pain point in the foldable device industry. As a core component, the hinge endures countless opening and closing cycles, and its reliability and durability directly determine the device's lifespan. Malfunctions such as loosening, jamming, or even breakage can significantly inconvenience users. Apple is clearly aware of this and has invested considerable R&D resources to address it.

Publicly available information shows that Apple has filed several patents related to foldable screen technology, most focusing on hinge design and improving foldable screen durability. These patent applications underscore Apple's commitment to solving hinge problems and its dedication to technological innovation. Apple hopes to leverage its patent portfolio and innovations to create a foldable product with superior hinge performance, ensuring long-term reliability while providing optimal user experience.

Besides the hinge, the durability of the foldable screen cover presents another significant challenge. Compared to traditional flat screens, foldable screens are more susceptible to external damage, such as scratches and impacts. The screen at the folding point is particularly vulnerable; damage here often leads to expensive repairs and a poor user experience. Apple needs a solution that guarantees screen flexibility while enhancing its resistance to damage.

A crucial patent Apple secured, titled "Electronic device with durable foldable display," offers new approaches to this problem. The patent proposes two viable solutions: first, making the glass in the bending or intersecting areas thinner to reduce pressure and stress concentration during folding; second, thickening the glass in other areas to enhance impact resistance. This design cleverly combines thin and thick strategies, reducing overall weight while boosting impact resistance. Importantly, this design also improves the device's safety during drops. By strategically shifting the screen's center of gravity, the device is more likely to land on its edges or corners, minimizing the chance of screen damage.

In summary, Apple's foldable iPhone project faces numerous technical challenges. Hinge and foldable screen cover durability are two critical hurdles Apple must overcome. However, Apple has a strong track record of technological innovation, and its extensive patent portfolio and sustained R&D investment provide a solid foundation for solving these problems. If Apple successfully addresses these technical challenges, the 7-inch foldable iPhone could launch in 2026, potentially leading a new wave in the smartphone market. This would not only enrich Apple's product line but also profoundly impact the entire smartphone industry.

Apple's investment in foldable screen technology reflects its accurate assessment of future market trends. Foldable devices are becoming a new direction in smartphone development, with many manufacturers actively exploring this area. Apple's entry will undoubtedly further propel the advancement of foldable technology and offer consumers more choices. While a 2026 launch remains uncertain, Apple's R&D progress and technical capabilities suggest a promising future for this foldable iPhone. This will be a key factor in whether Apple can maintain its industry leadership. The development of the foldable MacBook is also noteworthy, further expanding Apple's product ecosystem and offering users a new user experience.