Apple's Speculated Foldable iPhone Timeline Exposed
The speculated timetable for the Foldable iPhone by Apple is now exposed: There are two models on the path to being ready. The timescape for Foldable iPhone is thought to be two-step-launch-in-the-works since new reports have it that Apple is preparing the earth for the first foldable iPhone in 2026 and then in a second style by 2028 as said by the industry expert Kim Ki-hyun from Stone Partner.
Two Models for Two Different Preferences
By all reports, Apple has considered at least two models for the foldable iPhone in order to cover the specific preferences of different users.
- Book-Style Foldable (expected in 2026): This folding smartphone is similar to Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. It is vertically folded to allow a larger screen for media and productivity when unfolded to perform everything like a tablet.
- Clamshell Foldable (expected in 2028): This flip-phone-style foldable will fold horizontally. It focuses on ease of use and aesthetics aimed at consumers who would pick a smaller phone.
The Ammunition for Foldable Technology Apps
Foldable iPhones would need to assimilate the present armor of display technologies to provide superior levels of user experience while countering foldable system malady. The following are the key technologies believed to be part of the pack:
- Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Silicon Oxide (LTPO): For efficient, variable refresh-rate displays.
- Glass Mid-Frame (GMF): Technology specifically designed to eliminate or greatly reduce the screen crease.
- Under-Display Camera (UDC): For an uninterrupted, full-screen display.
- COE, CPM, and Clear OC: Emerging technologies aimed at enhancing display efficiency and light transmittance for brighter and clearer images.
Innovative Features for 20th Anniversary iPhone
In parallel to the foldable, Apple is meanwhile preparing significant technology improvements on the conventional iPhone lineup for the target 20th anniversary in the year 2027. The main highlight feature being LTPO+, a cheaper alternative to LTPO maintaining performance by using oxide instead of polysilicon for its pixel transistors. While LTPO+ was first introduced in the Apple Watch, it is expected to arrive on iPhone by 2027.
Other technologies planned for the 2027 model are 4-edge bending for a truly bezel-less display and assisting technologies like UDIR and Creater to make sure it appears as a perfectly uniform full screen.
From the OLED Front
The report is also describing a broader strategy by Apple to have OLED technology integrated into more of its devices. Following the iPad Pro, the rollout of OLEDs is expected to continue with:
- iPad Mini: 2026
- iPad Air: 2027
- MacBook Pro: Starting on 2026 models
- MacBook Air: After 2028
- Foldable iPad: Expected after 2029, featuring LTPO+ technology.
