December 27 – According to South Korean media outlet Kipost, Apple is set to release its first foldable iPhone in September 2026. The device will feature a clamshell-style foldable design, similar to flagship foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. Production is expected to reach an annual volume of 15 to 20 million units. With the domestic foldable market slowing, Apple’s entry could inject fresh innovation and excitement into the sector.
Reports suggest that mass production of the foldable iPhone will begin in May 2026, with Samsung Display supplying the exclusive screens. Samsung’s lead in ultra-thin glass (UTG) and crease-minimization technology positions it as the ideal partner for this ambitious project. The foldable iPhone will debut alongside the iPhone 18 series in September 2026, marking a major milestone for Apple and the foldable market.
Translation: Kipost reports that details about the foldable iPhone are almost confirmed. Mass production is scheduled for May 2026, with the launch set for September 2026. The device will adopt a Fold-style design, with an estimated annual production volume of 15 to 20 million units. The screen supplier will be Samsung Display (SDC), and the device is expected to feature the most advanced hinge technology, surpassing all existing foldable products.
Why Apple Chose a Clamshell Design
Apple has opted for a clamshell design, commonly referred to as the “big foldable” form factor, similar to the Huawei Mate X5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6. Two key reasons drive this choice:
2. Pricing Strategy: Bigger foldable phones command higher price points, aligning with Apple’s focus on profitability.
Pioneering Advanced Hinge Technology
The foldable iPhone is expected to introduce cutting-edge hinge technology that surpasses current foldable devices. This innovation addresses two major challenges in the foldable market—durability and crease visibility. While existing foldable phones are lighter and offer improved battery life, they still fall short in these areas. Apple’s solution is anticipated to set a new benchmark for the industry.
Production and Market Strategy
With an initial production target of 15–20 million units, Apple is cautiously navigating the foldable market to minimize risk. For comparison, Counterpoint Research estimates that China’s foldable smartphone shipments will reach 9.1 million units in 2024, reflecting only 2% year-over-year growth. Apple’s conservative approach highlights its focus on ensuring profitability while introducing a groundbreaking product.
System and Interaction Advantages
Apple’s expertise in system design and user interaction, honed through its iPad product line, gives it a distinct advantage in the foldable phone segment. Digital influencers and tech enthusiasts are optimistic that Apple’s entry will not only redefine foldable technology but also drive consumer interest and adoption.
A Transformational Moment for the Foldable Market
The foldable iPhone is poised to benefit the global foldable market by advancing technology, setting new standards, and creating new opportunities for supply chain innovation. If successful, it could usher in a new era for foldable devices, boosting both consumer interest and technological progress.
CounterPoint Research released its annual analysis on January 28, 2024, revealing a 1.5% year-over-year (YoY) increase in China’s smartphone sales. The market displayed uneven performance throughout the year, with weaker demand during both Q1 and Q4 compared to 2023 levels. However, sustained growth between Week 5 and Week 36 partially offset these declines, as illustrated …
OPPO’s much-anticipated Find N5, confirmed to launch in February, is reportedly the Chinese counterpart of the global OnePlus Open 2. Revealed by OPPO Find series product manager Zhou Yibao, the Find N5 is expected to set new standards as the world’s thinnest foldable smartphone. A Slimmer Foldable: Compared to iPhone 16 Pro Recent leaks have …
December 25, 2024 – Market research firm Omdia has released its Q3 2024 global smartphone rankings, revealing key trends in the industry. The quarter saw a total shipment of 309.9 million units, marking a modest year-over-year growth of 2.6%. Among the highlights, Motorola emerged as the standout performer with a 37.3% growth rate, while Huawei …
The 2024 Q4 smartphone market share in China reveals significant changes in rankings, with Huawei and Xiaomi emerging as the key players. According to market research data, Huawei, Xiaomi, and Apple claimed the top three spots for new device activations during the quarter. However, Apple witnessed a significant decline of 17.3% in activations compared to …
Foldable iPhone Expected to Launch in September 2026 with Advanced Hinge Design
December 27 – According to South Korean media outlet Kipost, Apple is set to release its first foldable iPhone in September 2026. The device will feature a clamshell-style foldable design, similar to flagship foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. Production is expected to reach an annual volume of 15 to 20 million units. With the domestic foldable market slowing, Apple’s entry could inject fresh innovation and excitement into the sector.
Reports suggest that mass production of the foldable iPhone will begin in May 2026, with Samsung Display supplying the exclusive screens. Samsung’s lead in ultra-thin glass (UTG) and crease-minimization technology positions it as the ideal partner for this ambitious project. The foldable iPhone will debut alongside the iPhone 18 series in September 2026, marking a major milestone for Apple and the foldable market.
Kipost reports that details about the foldable iPhone are almost confirmed.
Mass production is scheduled for May 2026, with the launch set for September 2026.
The device will adopt a Fold-style design, with an estimated annual production volume of 15 to 20 million units.
The screen supplier will be Samsung Display (SDC), and the device is expected to feature the most advanced hinge technology, surpassing all existing foldable products.
Why Apple Chose a Clamshell Design
Apple has opted for a clamshell design, commonly referred to as the “big foldable” form factor, similar to the Huawei Mate X5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6. Two key reasons drive this choice:
1. Durability: Larger foldable designs offer better durability compared to smaller foldables.
2. Pricing Strategy: Bigger foldable phones command higher price points, aligning with Apple’s focus on profitability.
Pioneering Advanced Hinge Technology
The foldable iPhone is expected to introduce cutting-edge hinge technology that surpasses current foldable devices. This innovation addresses two major challenges in the foldable market—durability and crease visibility. While existing foldable phones are lighter and offer improved battery life, they still fall short in these areas. Apple’s solution is anticipated to set a new benchmark for the industry.
Production and Market Strategy
With an initial production target of 15–20 million units, Apple is cautiously navigating the foldable market to minimize risk. For comparison, Counterpoint Research estimates that China’s foldable smartphone shipments will reach 9.1 million units in 2024, reflecting only 2% year-over-year growth. Apple’s conservative approach highlights its focus on ensuring profitability while introducing a groundbreaking product.
System and Interaction Advantages
Apple’s expertise in system design and user interaction, honed through its iPad product line, gives it a distinct advantage in the foldable phone segment. Digital influencers and tech enthusiasts are optimistic that Apple’s entry will not only redefine foldable technology but also drive consumer interest and adoption.
A Transformational Moment for the Foldable Market
The foldable iPhone is poised to benefit the global foldable market by advancing technology, setting new standards, and creating new opportunities for supply chain innovation. If successful, it could usher in a new era for foldable devices, boosting both consumer interest and technological progress.
Related Posts
China Smartphone Market Shows Modest 1.5% Growth in 2024 Amid Polarized Brand Performance
CounterPoint Research released its annual analysis on January 28, 2024, revealing a 1.5% year-over-year (YoY) increase in China’s smartphone sales. The market displayed uneven performance throughout the year, with weaker demand during both Q1 and Q4 compared to 2023 levels. However, sustained growth between Week 5 and Week 36 partially offset these declines, as illustrated …
OPPO Find N5: The Chinese Version of OnePlus Open 2 Set to Launch in February
OPPO’s much-anticipated Find N5, confirmed to launch in February, is reportedly the Chinese counterpart of the global OnePlus Open 2. Revealed by OPPO Find series product manager Zhou Yibao, the Find N5 is expected to set new standards as the world’s thinnest foldable smartphone. A Slimmer Foldable: Compared to iPhone 16 Pro Recent leaks have …
Global Smartphone Sales Rankings: Huawei at Tenth, Xiaomi Third, Motorola Emerges as the Dark Horse
December 25, 2024 – Market research firm Omdia has released its Q3 2024 global smartphone rankings, revealing key trends in the industry. The quarter saw a total shipment of 309.9 million units, marking a modest year-over-year growth of 2.6%. Among the highlights, Motorola emerged as the standout performer with a 37.3% growth rate, while Huawei …
2024 Smartphone Market Share in China: Apple, Huawei, and Xiaomi Lead the Charge
The 2024 Q4 smartphone market share in China reveals significant changes in rankings, with Huawei and Xiaomi emerging as the key players. According to market research data, Huawei, Xiaomi, and Apple claimed the top three spots for new device activations during the quarter. However, Apple witnessed a significant decline of 17.3% in activations compared to …