The landing of Apple in the foldable smartphone market It's aimed directly at 2026 and is poised to shake up the entire industry. Various analyst reports, design leaks, and supply chain data are already painting a fairly coherent picture of what the first foldable iPhone will be like, what its role will be in the company's product lineup, and what effect it could have on a segment that, until now, has been dominated primarily by Asian brands.
While the traditional mobile phone market stagnates, foldable phones are gaining ground, and rumors indicate that The first iPhone with a flexible screen will arrive in late 2026It won't be a mass-market or cheap model, but rather a device highly geared towards those seeking productivity and an experience similar to that of a small tablet, with a price clearly above the current high-end range.
A foldable iPhone, book-style and passport-shaped
The various leaks agree that Apple's project focuses on a book-like foldable device, not a clamshell format. The key lies not only in its book-like opening but also in its proportions: when unfolded, the device would be wider than it is tall, with a style that some reports describe as “Passport” format.
In terms of size, the most frequently cited sources point to a outdoor screen of approximately 5,3 inches and an internal screen that would be around 7,7 inches. It's a configuration designed so that, when the device is opened, the The experience is quite reminiscent of that of a iPad miniBut in a body that still fits in your pants pocket.
Leaked documentation and models based on alleged CAD files mention very specific dimensions: 120,6mm high by 83,8mm wide when it is closed, and 167,6 mm x 120,6 mm once opened. The thickness would also be noticeable: about 9,6 mm folded and barely 4,8 mm unfoldedexcluding the camera module, which would place it among the thinnest designs in its category.
This more compact and wider approach differs from others book-type foldables that we find today in Android, generally taller and narrower. Apple's approach is more in line with offering an internal panel in a format close to 4:3, which prioritizes reading and working with documents and web browsing versus pure panoramic video consumption.
An experience similar to the iPad mini and geared towards productivity
The philosophy behind this model wouldn't simply be "to make a foldable iPhone," but approaching a hybrid between a mobile phone and a small tabletWhen opened, the internal screen area, very similar to that of a more compact iPad mini, would be designed for working with multiple apps, reading, editing documents, checking email, or browsing with more space and comfort.
That almost square format has several implications: on the one hand, It's ideal for productivity, reading, and browsing.because it leaves more usable horizontal space and allows split screen without anything being excessively compressed. On the other hand, it penalizes traditional video content (16:9), which will be displayed with pronounced black bars at the top and bottom, wasting part of the OLED panel.
Industry sources compare the concept to what models like the Google Pixel Fold or the first OPPO Find NAlthough in this case the foldable iPhone would be somewhat larger and, in theory, more comfortable to hold like a small electronic notebook.
In Spain and the rest of Europe, this approach could be a particularly good fit for those who use their mobile phones to read digital newspapers, work with documents on the go, or work remotely, since the combination of a relatively compact size when closed and a large open surface covers several uses that are currently usually divided between smartphones and tablets.
Complex development, advanced materials and the fight against folding
Information from suppliers and specialized media agree that The development of the panel and hinge is proving particularly delicate.Apple is reportedly working with advanced materials from manufacturers like Corning or the German company Schott, involving several partners in the different layers that make up the product. screen flexible.
In this pre-launch phase, The defect rate of the screens would still be highThis is common when working with technologies of this level of complexity. One of the main objectives would be to minimize the central crease that appears in the fold area, an Achilles' heel that many foldable phones on the market still suffer from.
To address this problem, technical leaks mention solutions such as laser-perforated microstructures in the hinge and panelThese are designed to better distribute tension and avoid that visible groove in the center. This approach aligns with Apple's history of not launching a new product category until the user experience is highly refined.
At the construction level, there is talk of the use of titanium in the chassisThis material, which has already been used in other models from the brand, would allow for a combination of durability and low weight. It has also been mentioned that Apple wants to avoid the phone being excessively thick when folded, something that has hampered many of its rivals in early generations.
Very high price and position within the iPhone range
Everything points to the foldable iPhone taking up space the highest price range within Apple's catalogAnalyst estimates and leaks place its cost at around $2.100-$2.400 on average, which, if confirmed, would make it the most expensive iPhone to date.
IDC estimates that, despite that price, the device could to capture more than 22% of the units and 34% of the total value of the foldable segment In its first full year on the market, thanks precisely to that high price tag. This isn't a device designed for everyone, but rather for a very specific user profile willing to pay for this new format.
Within the iPhone family, leaks suggest it will coexist with the traditional numbered range (for example, the iPhone 18 and its variants), rather than replace it. It would be a special model, not a direct replacement for the classic iPhonesThis fits with the strategy of maintaining several price and format levels: more economical models, Pro ranges and now a niche foldable phone.
This move also fits with the company's effort to to revitalize interest in the iPhone after several generations with more evolutionary changesThe move to a foldable format would further differentiate the various options in the catalog and reserve the element of surprise for a very specific line.
Projected timeline: 2026 will be a decisive year for Apple and the foldable market
Apple's usual calendars suggest a announcement in the fall of 2026This coincides with the annual refresh of the rest of the iPhone lineup. Some sources suggest that the unveiling and the start of sales could even be delayed, with a launch window extending into 2027 depending on panel availability and production pace.
Meanwhile, IDC data paints a picture scenario of strong growth for foldable smartphonesThe consultancy expects sales to increase by around 10% in 2025, reaching almost 20,6 million units, but points to 2026 as the year of the big leap, with year-on-year growth of close to 30% in this segment.
Although the number of units will still be relatively small compared to the total mobile market, The economic value of foldable phones will become increasingly relevantForecasts point to a compound annual growth rate of 17% until 2029, well above that of the traditional market, which would barely advance below 1% in the same period.
If the forecasts are correct, foldable phones could be around 2029 exceed 10% of the total value of the smartphone marketThanks to their significantly higher average prices, the arrival of the foldable iPhone in 2026 would act as a catalyst, not only attracting some of Apple's customers but also pushing other manufacturers to accelerate their own development.
Direct competition: Samsung's "Wide Fold" and the 4:3 format
The foldable iPhone won't arrive alone. Various reports from South Korea indicate that Samsung... is preparing a new book-like foldable device nicknamed "Wide Fold", designed specifically to compete with Apple's model in a very similar field.
This device would also bet on a wider and lower format, with an external screen of about 5,4 inches and an internal screen of 7,6 inchesIn other words, figures practically identical to those used for the foldable iPhone, meaning that in terms of dimensions both terminals would be practically identical on paper.
The key is in the 4:3 aspect ratio of the internal panelThis is an unusual aspect ratio for mobile devices, but very useful for productivity tasks. This format has already been used on monitors and some tablets, and it closely resembles the experience of using an open notebook or book.
Industry reports indicate that both Apple and Samsung They would aim to launch these models in the third quarter of 2026This would set up a direct confrontation within the same campaign. The big question is how this panel is used in everyday life and which software proposal is more convincing for European users, where features like multitasking and professional mobile use are becoming increasingly important.
Impact on users, renewal cycles and landscape in Europe
Beyond hardware, analysts like Francisco Jeronimo of IDC point out that Foldable products can become the engine that reactivates renewal cyclesMore and more users are extending the lifespan of their mobile phones for several years, which complicates market growth. The introduction of radically different formats, such as tri-fold phones or the foldable iPhone itself, is seen as a way to offer innovation visible enough to justify the leap.
In Europe, and especially in countries like Spain, where The mobile phone usage cycle tends to lengthen And since the weight of operators in the financing of terminals remains relevant, this type of device could first reach a relatively small audience: technology enthusiasts, professionals who work a lot from their mobile phones, and users with high purchasing power.
If growth forecasts hold true, we are likely to see in the medium term more foldable options in slightly more affordable price rangesThis includes both Asian manufacturers and brands with a strong presence in Europe. In this context, the role of the foldable iPhone would be to set the bar for user experience and quality, but not necessarily to lead in units sold.
Even so, Apple's entry into this category usually has a ripple effect: When a company joins a new product category, it usually accelerates its mass adoption.This already happened with smartphones, smartwatches, and completely wireless headphones, and the industry practically assumes that the same pattern will be repeated with foldable phones starting in 2026.
At the moment, nothing is officially confirmed, but the collection of leaks, repeated dimensions in various sources, and forecasts from consulting firms paints a fairly consistent picture: A compact, book-like foldable iPhone, wider than it is tall, with an internal screen close to 7,7 inches, a very high price, and a launch expected around autumn 2026.In a market that needs new ideas to continue growing, and with Samsung preparing a model that is almost identical in format, this year is shaping up to be a turning point for the foldable universe, also for users in Spain and Europe who are willing to take the plunge.
