Apple unlikely to release foldable iPhone before 2027: report
It seems to be an open secret that Apple is in the early stages of developing a foldable iPhone. The Cupertino tech giant has yet to confirm its existence, but has been registering several patents for foldable technologies for some time now. A new report from TrendForce claims that Apple may not launch its own foldable phone until 2027. The foldability of the foldable phone remains a major concern for Apple, which seems to be the cause of the delay. As Apple waits longer to release its first foldable phone, several other brands like Samsung, OnePlus, Vivo and others have launched foldable phones, heating up the competition.
Apple iPhone Fold could launch in 2027
Market research agency TrendForce, in his last reportnotes that Apple “probably won’t release a foldable phone before 2027,” but its entry could significantly change market dynamics. The iPhone maker is reportedly still evaluating component specifications and performance, with strict requirements for creasability and reliability.
In March, a Korean media outlet claimed that Apple had postponed the launch of its foldable iPhone from the fourth quarter of 2026 to the first quarter of 2027 after the company considered preparations for several matters, including the supply of foldable displays.
Meanwhile, TrendForce expects foldable smartphone shipments to reach 17.8 million units in 2024, accounting for just 1.5 percent of the smartphone market. Samsung, which held over 80 percent of the market share in 2022, is now struggling to maintain 50 percent market share amid mounting competition from various brands. Huawei made significant progress with its 4G Pocket S in 2023, and the brand could potentially increase its market share to 30 percent with its first tri-fold phone release in Q3 of this year.
The report found that Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo struggled to grow sales of their foldable phones, while Motorola made a strong entry with its Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra.
Apple’s foldable phone: What we know so far
Apple is reportedly working on prototypes of at least two clamshell-style foldable iPhone models and is reportedly in talks over supply orders with LG Display (LGD) and Samsung Display (SDC). It has filed patents related to foldable displays. The brand’s first foldable phone would have a 6-inch external display and an 8-inch main display.
