Industry insiders now suggest Apple’s inaugural entry into the foldable smartphone market could take a drastically different direction than initially anticipated. Display industry expert Ross Young has revealed that Apple’s first foldable device, expected in 2026, may adopt a book-style folding design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, rather than the previously rumored clamshell format.
This strategic pivot comes at a fascinating juncture in the foldable device market’s evolution. According to recent analysis from Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), the sector is experiencing unprecedented market dynamics. After years of robust growth exceeding 40% annually since 2019, the industry faces a potential slowdown, with growth projected at just 5% this year and a possible 4% decline in 2025. These shifting market conditions appear to be influencing Apple’s approach to its foldable debut.
The timing of Apple’s potential entry into the foldable market in 2026 seems carefully calculated. Market indicators suggest a growing consumer preference for larger-format foldable devices, with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 expected to outperform its predecessor in sales. Conversely, the more compact Galaxy Z Flip series, despite being the market leader in foldable phone sales, is projected to see a 10% decline in its next iteration. This market shift could explain Apple’s apparent preference for a larger folding format.
The decision to pursue a Fold-style design over a Flip format aligns with Apple’s traditional strategy of maximizing both technological innovation and revenue potential. A larger foldable device would provide Apple with an expanded canvas for technological innovation, enabling more sophisticated features and use cases that could differentiate it from existing offerings. The pricing strategy also makes business sense, as fold-style devices typically command higher price points – the Galaxy Z Fold 6 starts at $1,799, nearly double the $999 entry point of the Z Flip 6.
For consumers unable to wait until late 2026 for Apple’s foldable debut, the company appears to be planning an intermediate innovation with the iPhone 17 Air. This device, positioned to replace the iPhone Plus in Apple’s lineup, is being developed as the thinnest iPhone to date, suggesting that Apple continues to push the boundaries of device engineering even as it prepares for its foldable future.
The implications of Apple’s potential choice extend beyond mere form factor considerations. A larger foldable device could serve as a bridge between the iPhone and iPad product lines, potentially creating a new category of hybrid devices that combines the portability of a smartphone with the productivity benefits of a tablet. This approach would be consistent with Apple’s history of entering markets later than competitors but with more refined and fully realized products.
However, the extended timeline until 2026 suggests that Apple is maintaining its characteristically cautious approach to new technology adoption. This deliberate pace allows the company to learn from the market’s evolution and address technical challenges that have affected early foldable devices, such as durability concerns and visible display creases.
The success of Apple’s eventual foldable device could reshape the entire smartphone market, given the company’s historical influence on consumer technology trends. If Apple does indeed pursue a larger fold-style design, it could accelerate the industry’s shift toward more versatile, productivity-focused mobile devices, potentially marking the beginning of a new era in smartphone evolution.
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