Apple continues to work on a foldable iPhone, which could arrive as early as 2026, according to a report from The Information. The phone is rumored to fold horizontally, like the clamshell-style Samsung Galaxy Z Flip.
Apple’s first foldable iPhone could arrive in 2026
The Information reports a clamshell folding iPhone project has moved beyond the concept stage.
The Information reports a clamshell folding iPhone project has moved beyond the concept stage.
Photo by Dan Seifert / The Verge
is a news writer who covers the streaming wars, consumer tech, crypto, social media, and much more. Previously, she was a writer and editor at MUO.
In February, The Information reported that Apple was in the early stages of developing two folding iPhone prototypes. But now, it seems Apple may have settled on a design, as The Information says the device has an internal nickname, V68, indicating “the idea has moved beyond the conceptual stage” and is now ”in development with suppliers.”
Apple is reportedly still working to flatten the crease that appears when the phone is unfolded and is also attempting to make the device thinner. This corroborates Tuesday’s report from the DigiTimes, which reveals similar details about Apple’s folding phone plans. Recent rumors suggest that Apple is also working on a MacBook-like foldable that could start shipping in 2026.
Aside from its work on foldables, Apple may be getting ready to upgrade next year’s iPhone with a mechanical aperture that will let users achieve a depth-of-field effect that blurs the background of an image while keeping the subject in focus, The Information reports. Rumors also indicate that Apple is working on a much thinner iPhone for 2025.
Update, July 23rd: Added more details about Apple’s rumored plans for the iPhone in 2025.
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