Foldable iPhone gets a tentative release window as the foldable iPad is put on hold
The foldable iPhone is looking like a reality, the foldable iPad is not.

*Image credit — Technizo Concept
Foldable iPhone coming 2026

Concept render of a foldable iPhone. | Image credit — Technizo Concept
Apple’s fashionably late foray into the foldable industry will begin in the second half of next year. I initially expected the company to release the phone earlier to compete with the Fold 8 from Samsung. However, it seems that Apple’s marketing for the foldable iPhone — which will present it as the best iPhone — relies on it being launched alongside the iPhone 18 series.
Earlier, we got a look at a prototype foldable iPhone’s screen specs. Mass production is expected (translated source) to begin shortly, which heavily implies that those specs have been finalized. According to sources from inside the supply chain, Apple has been very particular about this phone, with revisions numbering in the double digits across over five years.
A big reason for all these delays and redesigns is the fact that the company wants to release a foldable smartphone that has no visible crease. But if the leaked screen specs are the final design, then the phone already falls behind this year’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 in other aspects.
Apple will market the foldable iPhone as the next best thing after the iPhone 18 Pro Max. But the company will supersede it with the special 20th anniversary iPhone Pro, which is expected to have no cutouts on its display. The original plan for a foldable iPhone for the 20th anniversary as well seems to have been scrapped.
Apple puts foldable iPad on hold

This is peanuts compared to what's coming. | Image credit — PhoneArena
There was another foldable product that the company had been developing: a massive foldable iPad. This iPad was supposed to launch in 2026 as well, and it was going to measure in at a ridiculous 18.8 inches across when unfolded. It has now been put on hold for the time being.
The report claims that the foldable iPad was postponed due to much more difficult manufacturing that costs a lot more, as well as low demand from the market. Understandably, such a product would’ve cost a ton, and the company probably doesn’t want a repeat of the Apple Vision Pro, if I had to guess.
The new Pro model may be accompanied by a foldable iPad that also has no cutouts on its display: Face ID or otherwise. Though, whether Apple would want to risk upstaging the iPhone on its special day is debatable.
A lot of choice going forward
Apple users are eating (swiping?) good for these next few years. From the redesigned iPhone 17 Pro, the new iPhone 17 Air, the redesigned iPhone 18, and the 20th anniversary iPhone Pro, Apple fans are going to have a ton of choice for a long time. Throw in a foldable iPad, and you’re golden. Not to mention the cheaper MacBook powered by an iPhone chip.
However, I’m glad to know that we’re getting more competition and further variety in the market. Samsung is expected to unveil its tri-foldable Galaxy G Fold in July, and possibly launch it later this year. The only thing that would get me more excited is if Apple and Samsung finally adopted denser silicon batteries in the near future.
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: