Here's a roundup of the latest news about Apple's first foldable iPhone - the iPhone 18 Fold.
Rumors of a foldable iPhone have been circulating for years, but recent reports suggest that Apple is finally about to announce its new product. The company is working on two foldable devices, a clamshell iPhone and a giant 20-inch foldable iPad. However, the foldable iPhone will be released first. The device is expected to be called the iPhone 18 Fold (or iPhone 18 Flip) and will be released in 2026.
Screen details
Apple's first foldable iPhone will reportedly feature a clamshell design, similar to the Galaxy Z Flip or Motorola Razr — the same screen size as a regular phone, with the ability to fold inward and become smaller when put in a pocket.
Concept photo of foldable iPhone screen.
Recent reports from The Wall Street Journal suggest that the foldable iPhone 18 Fold will have a larger screen size than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, at least 7 inches.
Some of the challenges the company faces include reducing screen creases, improving the hinge, and creating good materials for the display coating. Apple aims to solve all of these issues before launch.
Foldable screen market
Apple's first foldable iPhone will boost the declining foldable phone market, according to Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC).
The foldable phone market grew at an incredible 40% year-on-year between 2019 and 2023. However, the growth rate will slow down significantly, to around 5% in 2024, and the market will really start to face a sales decline starting this year.
Concept photo of foldable iPhone screen.
However, Apple entering the market could cause demand for foldable displays to surge rapidly as the company could bring new functionality.
Foldable iPhone release date
According to multiple sources, Apple's first foldable iPhone 18 Fold will launch in the second half of 2026, possibly alongside the iPhone 18 series. This shows that the company no longer has any delays in development.
Earlier this year, Apple gave the project a new codename V68 — suggesting it has moved beyond the prototyping stage, and iFans will soon get to see the product in action.
