SACRAMENTO: Tech giant Apple is working to introduce its first foldable iPhone as early as 2026, marking a significant departure from its traditional smartphone designs and potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of the mobile industry.
According to a report from an international outlet, Apple, valued at an astounding $3.46 trillion, has started discussions with suppliers in Asia to procure components necessary for the production of its anticipated foldable device. The move follows a strategic shift similar to Samsung Electronics, which pioneered the foldable smartphone market in 2019 with devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold series.
According to reports, Apple has settled on a clamshell design for its foldable iPhone, codenamed “V68,” which will fold vertically from top to bottom. This design concept mirrors the functionality of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip, released in 2020, which has proven popular despite its premium price range of $850 to $1,900 on the Samsung website.
The report indicates that Apple’s foldable iPhone has progressed beyond the initial stages of ideation, with development plans actively underway. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the growing demand for foldable smartphones, which integrate advanced artificial intelligence features to enhance user experience and functionality.
Recent market trends underscore the potential market appeal of foldable devices, with a Counterpoint Research report noting a 49% year-on-year growth in the global foldable smartphone segment in the first quarter of the year. This surge in demand has been driven by innovations from companies like Huawei, which surpassed Samsung to claim the top spot in foldable smartphone sales.
In addition to the foldable iPhone, Apple is reportedly exploring enhancements to its camera technology, including the integration of a mechanical system that allows users to adjust aperture size manually. This feature could enable iPhone users to achieve customizable depth-of-field effects, enhancing their photography capabilities.
However, sources caution that the development timeline for a foldable iPhone may extend beyond the typical 24-month production cycle for conventional iPhone models. Delays and technical challenges could potentially affect the launch schedule, with no definitive assurance of the foldable iPhone reaching consumer shelves.
