Apple is reportedly working on foldable devices, sparking considerable online speculation. Rumors of Apple entering the foldable market, a space where companies like Samsung have seen success, have circulated for years. While exhaustive coverage of all the speculation is impossible, the most credible reports point to two foldable devices: a new iPhone and a new iPad.
Regarding the foldable iPhone, reports dating back to 2021 have emerged, but recent details offer a clearer picture. In February, *The Information* reported Apple was developing a clamshell-style foldable iPhone, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series. This contrasts with the Galaxy Z Fold’s design. A December *Wall Street Journal* report corroborated this, suggesting the unfolded display would exceed that of the iPhone 16 Pro Max and potentially launching as early as 2026. However, the possibility of cancellation remains. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, known for his Apple accuracy, also mentioned a 2026 launch in his *Power On* newsletter, lending further credence to these rumors. Specific details like design, price, and features remain unknown.
Information on the foldable iPad is similarly limited, though both the *Wall Street Journal* and Bloomberg reports included details. The *WSJ* described a larger device intended to function as a laptop, with a 19-inch unfolded display, exceeding even the largest MacBook displays. This aligns with a 2022 report from *The Elec* mentioning a 20-inch foldable display for either a laptop or tablet. The device’s nature—iPad or MacBook—remains unclear. While the *WSJ* suggests a laptop-like functionality, Gurman indicates it would be more akin to a large iPad, running iPadOS rather than macOS. This distinction is significant due to the differing feature sets and app compatibility between the two operating systems. Gurman suggests a 2028 launch, considerably later than the potential foldable iPhone release. Both devices reportedly face technical challenges, including achieving thinness and ensuring a flat unfolded display. If the rumors prove true, Apple has ample time to address these challenges before release.