Apple appears ready to rewrite smartphone history once again. Industry reports now confirm that the company is gearing up to launch its first foldable iPhone, which is likely to be branded as the iPhone Fold, in late 2026. In addition, the company might simultaneously be planning to skip the iPhone 19 and jump straight to the iPhone 20 in 2027 to mark the 20th anniversary of the iPhone’s debut.

Revolutionary Design and Display Innovation

Unlike early foldable devices from rival brands that struggled with visible folds and durability issues, Apple’s iPhone Fold will reportedly feature a crease-free flexible OLED display produced by Samsung. Measuring 7.8 inches when open and 5.5 inches when folded, the design aims to balance the functionality of an iPad mini with the portability of a standard iPhone. The frame will use a titanium–aluminium alloy for strength and lightness, and sources suggest Apple may replace Face ID with an under-display Touch ID sensor to save space.​

Reports indicate that Apple has successfully engineered new display materials to eliminate the hinge crease that has plagued rival models. This innovation could offer a smoother, more seamless experience that has become a defining element of Apple’s signature design philosophy. Production is expected to begin in late 2025, involving suppliers such as Foxconn, with initial shipments projected between 6 to 8 million units for the first year.​

Skipping iPhone 19 for iPhone 20

In line with its iconic iPhone X launch in 2017, Apple is skipping the iPhone 19 and moving directly to the iPhone 20 in 2027. Industry insiders reveal that this move is symbolic, aligning with the iPhone’s 20th anniversary since its first unveiling by Steve Jobs in 2007. Analysts at Omdia and Bloomberg report that the company’s road map includes introducing the iPhone Fold as part of the iPhone 18 series in 2026, followed by the much-anticipated iPhone 20 series in 2027.​

The iPhone 20 is rumoured to feature a bezel-free wraparound display and cutting-edge AI capabilities integrated deeply into iOS. Apple’s decision to sync its anniversary celebration with the debut of such futuristic designs mirrors its historical strategy. that focuses on milestone innovation rather than incremental evolution. Just as the iPhone X revolutionised smartphone design a decade earlier, the company hopes the iPhone Fold and iPhone 20 will do the same for the next generation.

Market Impact and Competitive Landscape

The wider smartphone market is preparing for a major transformation. Analysts predict that Apple’s 2026 entry into foldables will trigger a new wave of consumer interest, driving 68 per cent growth in the US foldable segment and expanding the global market significantly. JPMorgan research expects global foldable shipments to climb to 45 million units by 2029, with Apple capturing a substantial share of high-end customers due to its loyal base and strong ecosystem integration.​

Samsung, which currently dominates the foldable segment, is expected to face its biggest challenge since 2019. The South Korean giant has strengthened its line-up with the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series and is even experimenting with tri-fold devices. However, industry observers note that Apple’s foldable will likely shift consumer perceptions, finally pushing foldables into the mainstream as premium devices rather than niche products.​

Motorola and Google, both newer competitors in the foldable race, have also carved out segments focusing on lightweight and AI-powered experiences. Yet, analysts suggest Apple’s influence, once it joins the fray, will lift the category as a whole. Counterpoint Research notes that Apple’s reputation for perfecting designs rather than pioneering them will pay off here. It allows the company to release a technologically mature, well-tested foldable that appeals directly to aspirational users unwilling to compromise on quality or experience.​

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