Following years of development, Apple could release a foldable iPhone and tablet as soon as next year – according to people familiar with the company’s plans
The iPhone could be in for its biggest revamp to date. Despite plenty of new features and smart software updates it’s safe to say Apple has played it safe over recent years when it comes to the physical appearance of its iPhones – with only an über dedicated fan being able to spot the difference between the latest model against four generations ago.
A new Camera Control button was added this year and Apple ditched Lightning charging on the iPhone 15 in favour of USB-C. But the last major change that sparked debate was back in 2017 when the classic home button was axed for Face ID technolgy. Luckily, it now seems that the tech giant is preparing a series of major changes to its iPhones, starting next year, that could finally see some massive design revamps.
According to Wall Street Journal, people familiar with the company say Apple is working on an slim iPhone Air that’s even thinner than the current 8mm model, as well as two foldable devices. It is thought that one of the foldable products would be more akin to a 19-inch laptop, while the second could be compared to an iPhone slightly larger than the 16 Pro Max.
“Both foldable designs have been in development for years, but some key parts weren’t ready,” WSJ added. “Major challenges included improving the hinge, a mechanism that allows the device to fold and unfold, and the display cover, a flexible material protecting the foldable screen.”
Apple executives are pushing for a 2026 release, but creating a foldable that is thin, light and energy-efficient is no easy feat. In fact, Jeff Pu, an analyst with Hong Kong-based brokerage Haitong International Securities says this is why Apple has been slow to enter the foldable market.
Another main concern for Apple will be creating a foldable device that doesn’t have a clear crease in the centre when fully open. “The company has made progress on this front: Prototypes of this new product within Apple’s industrial design group have a nearly invisible crease,” reports Bloomberg. “But, it’s too early to tell if Apple will can get rid of it altogether.”
Samsung, Motorola, and Oppo have all saturated the market in recent years with foldable devices, and their specs and designs have notably improved. This means an Apple flip phone will need to standout with a unique selling point to perform well.
If you’re feeling inpatient at the prospect of a folding iPhone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 remains a popular choice, and has persuaded swathes of not-so loyal Apple customers to make the switch over to Android in favour off that nostalgic flip design. The model features Samsung’s flagship Snapdragon processor, an upgraded camera, better battery life, and a new frosted-glass finish.
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