Apple is reportedly advancing its efforts to enter the foldable device market, with two foldable products—a foldable iPad and a foldable iPhone—currently in development.
Highlights
According to a recent investor note by analyst Jeff Pu of Haitong International Tech Research, the devices are in the New Product Introduction (NPI) stage at Foxconn, a step that typically precedes mass production.
Foldable iPad and iPhone: Display and Design Details
The foldable iPad is expected to feature a large 18.8-inch display, making it one of the largest foldable tablets currently under development.
If released as projected, it could serve as Apple’s first foldable product. Meanwhile, the foldable iPhone is rumored to have a 7.8-inch inner display alongside a 5.5-inch external cover screen, aligning with a book-style folding design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold lineup.
One of the notable design considerations includes the potential use of a side-mounted Touch ID sensor, which may replace Face ID due to the engineering challenges associated with embedding facial recognition components into foldable displays.
Production Timeline and Development Status
Reports suggest that both devices are currently on track for mass production beginning in Q4 2026, slightly later than earlier projections that indicated a possible launch in the second half of 2025.
This adjusted timeline is said to stem from ongoing challenges in areas such as display durability and hinge reliability, both of which are crucial for the long-term usability of foldable devices.
While Apple has not publicly confirmed its plans in this category, multiple sources, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, have independently pointed to a 2026 launch window for the foldable iPhone.
Premium Market Positioning and Pricing Outlook
The foldable iPhone is expected to enter the market as a premium device, with early estimates placing its starting price at around $2,300.
This would place it among the most expensive iPhones to date, indicating a focus on high-end consumers rather than immediate mass-market adoption.
This pricing approach reflects the positioning of foldable smartphones as niche, early-adopter products, rather than replacements for traditional smartphone lines—at least initially.
Alternative Biometric and Functional Design Choices
To accommodate the foldable format, Apple is reportedly considering design changes that include replacing Face ID with Touch ID.
A side-mounted fingerprint sensor would circumvent the complexity of embedding facial recognition into flexible displays, a challenge that other manufacturers have also faced.
This hardware adaptation may also offer practical benefits in terms of power efficiency and cost control, particularly in the context of the foldable form factor.
Exploring Larger Foldable Devices Beyond 2026
In addition to the foldable iPhone, Apple is said to be exploring the development of a larger foldable device with an 18.8-inch display, which could serve as a hybrid between a MacBook and an iPad.
This product, still in early-stage research and development, is unlikely to launch before 2028. Its large display suggests a focus on productivity and media consumption for users who need portability without sacrificing screen space.
Market Context and Strategic Timing
Apple’s entry into the foldable space follows years of observation and refinement, as companies like Samsung, Huawei, Vivo, and Google have already established a presence in the foldable segment.
While competitors have taken a faster route to market, Apple appears to have opted for a more cautious timeline—potentially allowing for more mature technology, refined designs, and market readiness.
The increasing stability of foldable designs and growing consumer interest in the segment may have contributed to Apple’s decision to proceed with product development at this stage.
However, the company’s final product lineup, feature set, and release schedule remain subject to change as engineering and production processes continue.
