For almost a decade, rumours about a foldable iPhone have circulated in the tech world. Every year, we hear hints about a groundbreaking device, only to be told to wait. However, in the past year, these rumours have started to connect, suggesting that the iPhone 18 Fold might actually be on the way. Could this be the moment Apple changed the smartphone game again? Let’s look at the news, the reasoning behind it, and some questions we still have.
The Long Road to a Foldable iPhone
Apple’s journey toward a foldable phone has been complex. Since the early 2010s, patents and talks in the industry indicated Apple might be interested in flexible screens. While competitors like Samsung and Huawei rushed to launch foldable phones, Apple remained quiet. Why? They believe in perfection.
Apple’s approach has always been to observe the market and improve on what others do. The first iPhone wasn’t the first smartphone, but it changed the market. Similarly, Apple’s AirPods weren’t the first wireless earbuds, yet they became the best-sellers. If Apple is indeed working on a foldable iPhone, it aims to improve on existing designs.
The iPhone 18 Fold: What We Know & What We Don’t
Recent reports from trusted sources suggest that the iPhone 18 Fold could launch in late 2026 or early 2027. Here’s what we know:
Display Details: Bigger, Bolder, but Shorter
Folded Size: 5.49 inches, making it easy to carry.
Unfolded Size: 7.74 inches, larger than the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s expected 6.9-inch screen.
Aspect Ratio: Described as “unprecedented”, likely balancing size and usability.
Interestingly, compared to the new Oppo Find N5, the iPhone Fold’s display may be shorter and wider. This could result in a squarer design that’s better for multitasking and watching media, serving as a bridge between a phone and a tablet.
Inward vs. Outward Folding: Why Apple Switched Gears
Earlier prototypes looked at outward-folding screens (where the display faces outside). However, Apple seems to have shifted to an inward-folding design, like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. Why the change? For durability. An inward fold protects the screen from scratches and drops when closed.
Not Just a Phone: The Foldable iPad Connection
There are also rumours about a foldable iPad. Imagine a tablet that folds to the size of a large smartphone, combining convenience and productivity. If both devices launch around 2026-2027, Apple could quickly lead in the foldable market.
Why Now? The Timing Makes Sense
The timeline of 2026-2027 lines up with two key factors:
Technological Readiness: Foldable screens have advanced significantly. Issues like creases, fragility, and app compatibility are being resolved.
Market Pressure: With Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Google’s Pixel Fold gaining popularity, Apple must act soon.
Apple’s main advantage? Integration. A foldable iPhone would likely come with iOS features designed for folding screens and work well with iPads and Macs, along with a strong app ecosystem.
Design Challenges: What’s Holding Apple Back?
Making a foldable iPhone is not just about bending a screen. Apple faces challenges such as:
Battery Life: Larger screens need more power, but adding a bigger battery may make the device heavy.
Durability: Can Apple create a hinge that lasts through thousands of folds?
Software: How will iOS adapt to a foldable screen? Features like split-screen multitasking, and resizing need to be user-friendly.
Reports suggest Apple is addressing these issues. The “unprecedented aspect ratio” might allow apps to adjust their layouts automatically when unfolded, eliminating awkward zooming.
The smaller folded size could appeal to users who find other foldables too bulky. Meanwhile, the larger unfolded screen would make it a hybrid device—part phone, part tablet.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q1: Why has Apple taken so long to launch a foldable phone?
A: Apple prioritizes refinement over being first. They’re likely waiting until the technology meets their standards for durability, software, and user experience.
Q2: Will the foldable iPhone be as durable as regular iPhones?
A: Apple is known for premium materials. Expect reinforced hinges, scratch-resistant displays, and IP68 water resistance—but foldable will always be more delicate than slab phones.
Q3: How much will the iPhone 18 Fold cost?
A: If current foldable are any indication ($1,500+), Apple’s version could start at $1,799 or higher.
Q4: Why launch a foldable iPad too?
A: A foldable iPad could replace both a tablet and a laptop for some users, especially with Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard support.
Q5: Should I wait for the foldable iPhone or buy a Samsung Fold now?
A: If you need a foldable today, go for it. But if you’re invested in Apple’s ecosystem, waiting might pay off with deeper integration and longevity.
Conclusion: The Future is Flexible
The iPhone 18 Fold isn’t just another gadget—it’s a glimpse into Apple’s vision for the next decade of tech. By 2026, foldables could be as mainstream as touchscreens are today, and Apple’s entry might just be the push the industry needs.
Yes, the road has been long. Yes, the rumours have been frustrating. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that when Apple finally jumps into a new category, it’s worth the wait. The foldable iPhone won’t just bend the screen—it could bend the market.