Apple may launch a foldable phone but it's too early to celebrate

Today, if you’re on the hunt for a mobile phone, there are several form factors to choose from, but this hasn’t always been the case, at least in the context of smartphones. So, there’s something for everyone: small, compact, big, and something that opens, folds, or flips. You’d have guessed what we’re talking about; we’re talking about foldable phones. (Brief History: Royole FlexPai became the world’s first foldable smartphone once it hit shelves in 2018).

On the same note, tech majors like Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola came into play. By this time, foldable phones had become more popular, and everyone at least wanted to try one of these. One of the recent releases, the OnePlus Open, earned AH’s Best Foldable Smartphone of 2023. Now, as this market is expanding with more players jumping in, Apple reportedly seems to be speeding up. And, there could be an Apple foldable phone.

Apple’s foldable phone could be on the cards

According to The ELEC (translated via Google translate), Apple might be working on a foldable smartphone, and the earliest we may expect it is around 2026-2027. The report adds several details about the potential development. It could be around 7 to 8 inches, measured diagonally, and might eventually replace the 8.3-inch iPad Mini.

Additionally, Samsung Display and LG Display have apparently submitted samples of foldable panels to Apple. Samsung Display, in particular, is rumored to be working on developing foldable panels for Apple. There’s speculation that Apple’s foldable phone might replace the iPad mini. But there’s also a counterargument considering Apple’s ongoing OLED development project for the iPad mini model.

Furthermore, Apple will celebrate the 20th anniversary of iPhones in 2027, and significant design improvements could be on the cards, akin to what we saw with the launch of iPhone X during the iPhone’s 10th anniversary.

Until we receive more information about the potential Apple foldable phone or something official breaks, it’s best advised to take this information with a grain of salt.