Apple’s Entry into the Foldable Smartphone Market

Apple is poised to enter the foldable smartphone arena, potentially challenging market leaders such as Samsung, Oppo, and Huawei, according to various sources. A recent leak from Weibo, the Chinese microblogging site, has unveiled crucial information regarding the inner and outer displays of Apple’s anticipated book-style foldable iPhone, which may feature an extraordinary screen ratio.

Although Apple has yet to make any official announcements regarding a foldable iPhone, the company has been awarded several patents related to foldable display technology, indicating that progress is being made.

As per Digital Chat Station, a prominent source on Weibo, Apple’s foldable iPhone is likely to include a 5.49-inch external cover display, similar to that of the first-generation Oppo Find N. The leak suggests that the device will present a shorter and thicker profile compared to rivals, making it more portable when closed.

Internally, the foldable iPhone might comprise a 7.74-inch main display, which allegedly “unfolds like an iPad,” providing a tablet-like experience. The insider also hinted at a unique aspect ratio, implying that Apple is crafting an innovative screen configuration that deviates from the current foldable smartphones on the market.

Should the information from the leak prove to be accurate, Apple’s foldable iPhone could emerge as a hybrid device, serving as both a smartphone and a tablet. This would set it in direct competition with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, Oppo’s Find N collection, and Huawei’s Mate X series—all featuring a book-style foldable format.

While Apple has not officially addressed its plans for a foldable smartphone, industry predictions suggest:

• A foldable iPhone might launch as early as 2026
• A foldable iPad and MacBook could follow in 2027
• Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously indicated that Apple is exploring a foldable iPad-like device without a visible crease, expected to debut in 2028

Furthermore, reports suggest that Apple has engaged an ultra-thin glass supplier, potentially signalling the development of a next-generation foldable display for its forthcoming devices.