12 Reasons to Wait for the iPhone 16 & 7 Reasons Not To

Don't Wait for a Foldable iPhone 16

Apple might be working on a foldable device, but it sounds like the device won't be ready for a long time.

We've seen patents hint at a foldable iPhone but this doesn't confirm anything. One patent reveals plans for a protective layer that will help prevent cracking on foldable displays.

A report from Bloomberg states that while Apple "has developed prototype foldable screens for internal testing" the company "hasn’t solidified plans to actually launch a foldable iPhone." In other words, a launch is a long way out.

Kuo says Apple is currently testing Chinese company E Ink's Electronic Paper Display (EPD) for "future foldable device's cover screen & tablet-like applications."

Nikkei Asia says the company doesn't "have a concrete timeline" for its foldable iPad and that its current focus is on OLED displays. 

Another report from South Korean publication The Elec says Apple is considering a foldable product between 7-inches and 8-inches. They believe Apple is targeting 2026 or 2027 for the release. 

Digitimes says the company's first foldable won't be an iPhone. It's said to be a larger device that's more like a tablet or notebook.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo concurs and says "Apple's only foldable product with a clear development schedule is the 20.3-inch MacBook, expected to enter mass production in 2027."

Another report from AlphaBiz says the project has been delayed and pushed into 2027. TrendForce also believes the device won't arrive before 2027.

On the other hand, analyst Jeff Pu believes mass production of a 20.3-inch foldable device will begin in late 2025. Pu says it will be followed by a foldable iPhone in late 2026.

The Information says Apple is working on a foldable iPhone with a clamshell design, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, and it could be released as soon as 2026. 

So at this point, you should operate on the assumption that Apple's first foldable device is a long way out. If a foldable device interests you, you should check out Samsung's Galaxy Z series.