Apple could unveil a clamshell iPhone in 2026, along with another foldable
There has been speculation for years that Apple is working on foldable devices. While its competitors in the smartphone market, mainly Samsung and Google, have ventured into the world of foldable devices, the iPhone maker seems to have resisted peer pressure and focused on bringing simpler improvements to its iPhone models. However, a market analyst suggests that this could change soon, as Apple plans to introduce two foldable devices in 2026, the first of which could be an iPad-MacBook hybrid.
Foldable Apple devices
According to investor notes from Jeff Pu (via 9to5Mac), an analyst with Haitong International Securities Group, says Apple plans to enter the foldable device market, starting with the launch of two devices in 2026. The first device is speculated to be a hybrid of two popular Apple devices: an iPad and a MacBook, with an 18.8-inch display when unfolded.
The other device is said to be a foldable iPhone. This claim corroborates an earlier report that suggested the Cupertino company was developing a foldable iPhone that could debut in 2026 with the iPhone 18 series. This alleged device could adopt a clamshell design, similar to that of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6.
Pu’s research notes also reveal that the iPad-MacBook hybrid will be the first foldable device Apple launches in the second quarter of 2026. While it was previously reported that mass production would start next year, the analyst claims that may no longer be the case.
The launch will reportedly be followed by the introduction of the foldable iPhone model, which was previously speculated to launch alongside the iPhone 18 series in the latter half of the aforementioned year. The handset has previously been reported to feature 7.9-inch or 8.3-inch displays, with Samsung reportedly being approached to become the primary supplier of the screens.
Notably, in February, Apple was reportedly developing “at least” two iPhone prototypes with a clamshell design. At the time, it was speculated that Apple engineers were aiming to develop an iPhone that would be “as thin as current iPhone models,” but were limited by the battery and display components taking up significant space.
