It seems to be no secret that Apple is in the early stages of developing a foldable iPhone. The tech giant from Cupertino has not yet confirmed its existence, but has been registering various patents for complex technologies for some time. A new report from TrendForce says that Apple may not release its own foldable phone until 2027. The bending of the foldable phone remains a major concern for Apple and seems to be the reason for the delay. As Apple waits longer to release its first foldable phone, several other brands like Samsung, OnePlus, Vivo and others have launched foldable phones, making the competition tougher.
Apple iPhone Fold may appear by 2027
Research firm TrendForce notes in its latest report that Apple is “unlikely to release a foldable phone before 2027,” but its entry could significantly change market dynamics. The iPhone maker is reportedly still evaluating the specifications and performance of the components, following strict requirements for complexity and reliability.
In March, the Korean retailer said Apple had pushed back the launch date for its foldable iPhone from the fourth quarter of 2026 to the first quarter of 2027 after reviewing preparations for various products, including the supply of foldable displays.
Meanwhile, TrendForce expects shipments of sophisticated smartphones to reach 17.8 million units in 2024, accounting for just 1.5 percent of the smartphone market. Samsung, which had more than 80 percent market share in 2022, is now struggling to maintain 50 percent market share after facing increased competition from various brands. Huawei has made significant progress with its 4G Pocket S in 2023, and the brand could potentially increase its market share to 30 percent with the release of its first tri-folding phone in the third quarter of this year.
The report notes that Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo struggled to boost sales of their foldable phones, while Motorola made a strong debut with its Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra.
Apple’s foldable phone: what we know so far
Apple is said to be working on prototypes of at least two foldable iPhone models and is said to be discussing supply orders with LG Display ( LGD ) and Samsung Display ( SDC ). He has applied for patents related to foldable displays. The brand’s first foldable phone is said to have a 6-inch outer display and an 8-inch main display.
