Recent leaks suggest Apple is gearing up to enter the foldable device market, potentially launching a foldable iPhone as early as 2026, followed by a foldable iPad/MacBook hybrid in 2027. These rumors, while unconfirmed, offer a tantalizing glimpse into Apple’s potential future product lineup.
Leaker Jukanlosreve on X (formerly Twitter) indicates Apple is prioritizing a larger foldable iPhone design, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, OnePlus Fold, or Google Pixel Fold, rather than a smaller flip-style device like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. While exciting, it’s crucial to remember these details are based on leaks and not official Apple announcements.
The rumored foldable iPhone is expected to measure 9.2 mm thick when folded and 4.6 mm when unfolded. Apple is reportedly developing its own hinge mechanism located on the left rear side. The internal display is described as comparable to two 6.1-inch iPhones combined, resulting in a screen size just over 12 inches.
Production Plans and Initial Sales Projections
Initial production estimates suggest Apple aims to ship 8-10 million units of the foldable iPhone in 2026, increasing to 20 million in 2027. These figures are relatively low compared to Apple’s traditional iPhones, but understandable for a new product category. Foxconn is expected to be the exclusive manufacturer in 2026, with Luxshare joining the production line in 2027 to meet anticipated demand growth.
Camera Configuration and Battery Capacity
The foldable iPhone is rumored to feature a single front camera and a dual rear camera setup with a main and ultra-wide lens. This minimalist approach to camera hardware could be a cost-saving measure for what is anticipated to be a premium-priced device.
The device’s battery is expected to have a 5,000mAh capacity, significantly larger than the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 4,685mAh battery and even surpassing the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6’s 4,400mAh battery. This larger battery is likely necessary to power the larger display and potentially more demanding hardware.
Foldable iPad/MacBook Hybrid: A Glimpse into the Future?
The foldable iPhone could serve as a testing ground for a future foldable iPad/MacBook hybrid device. Previous rumors hinted at Apple developing a 20-inch foldable device, with speculation of a foldable MacBook launching between 2026 and 2027. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman has also suggested a foldable iPad could arrive around 2028.
Conclusion: A Foldable Future Awaits
While these details remain speculative, the rumors paint an exciting picture of Apple’s potential foray into the foldable market. A foldable iPhone in 2026 and a potential iPad/MacBook hybrid in 2027 could significantly reshape the landscape of mobile computing. Only time will tell if these predictions come to fruition, but the prospect of Apple embracing foldable technology is undoubtedly intriguing.
