iPad or iPhone that folds up? According to reports, Apple intends to enter the foldable device industry by 2027
With a 7 to 8-inch display, Apple might introduce a foldable tablet in 2026 or 2027 to take on Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Fans of Apple could soon witness the company’s entry into the foldable gadget space, with rumours circulating that a 2026 or even 2027 release is possible. Even though people have been anticipating a foldable iPhone or iPad for a while, specifics have eluded us; the only information we have access to about Apple’s progress in this fascinating field comes from patent drawings.
According to information obtained by MacRumors from the Korean website The Elec, customers should anticipate seeing Apple’s first foldable smartphone with a 7 to 8-inch display. This places it directly against the 7.6-inch Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, demonstrating its strength as a rival in the rapidly emerging foldable smartphone market.
Industry insiders predict that Apple’s foldable phone will have a book-style design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, instead of using the flip phone form seen in more compact devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.
The fact that it’s unclear if this will be a foldable iPad or an iPhone makes this disclosure one of the more interesting ones. It is more likely to replace the iPad mini series because of the Elec. Still, there are rumours that Apple is working on an OLED-screen iPad mini, which raises questions about the company’s long-term plans.
This uncertainty carries over to the selection of display providers. According to the source, Apple has been receiving 7- and 8-inch panel samples from Samsung Display and LG Display since the previous year. With its experience producing screens for the popular Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip product lines, Samsung Display is anticipated to be the main supplier.
Notwithstanding these noteworthy advancements, it is imperative to handle this information with prudence. It looks that the information provided is preliminary and subject to change in the future. Though it’s exciting to think that Apple might release a foldable gadget in 2026 or 2027, there’s still a chance that things will change and evolve in the upcoming years.
