Apple's Foldable Future Pushed Back to 2026, Analyst Says
Apple's long-rumored entry into the foldable device market seems to be facing yet another delay. Analyst Jeff Pu reports that due to "display durability" concerns, the tech giant has pushed back the launch of its first foldable to the second quarter of 2026 at the earliest.
While rumors have circulated for years, suggesting a foldable iPad might be Apple's next big release after the Vision Pro, this delay puts them significantly behind competitors like Samsung, who recently unveiled their sixth-generation Galaxy Fold.
Pu suggests Apple's delay stems from their commitment to product quality and a desire to minimize the crease common in foldable devices. This aligns with previous reports indicating Apple's strict approach to the durability of their foldable, focusing on both its physical robustness and minimizing the visual impact of the folding mechanism.
What could Apple's Foldable Be?
While the exact form factor remains unclear, rumors point to a few possibilities. Some suggest a top-down folding iPhone, similar to Samsung's Z Flip series, while others speculate about a 20-inch foldable MacBook, which analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts won't arrive before 2027.
Despite the delay, Apple's foray into the foldable market seems inevitable. The company has reportedly been in talks with Asian suppliers, adding further weight to the rumors. However, with this latest setback, it appears Apple fans will have to wait a bit longer to experience a foldable device bearing the iconic Apple logo.