Apple’s First Foldable Could be an iPad, But Not Before 2026: Reports

Nearly five years after Samsung revealed its first foldable smartphone, and with multiple Android-based models from multiple manufacturers now on the market, Apple has so far not ventured into this space at all. Rumours continue to suggest that a foldable iPhone is in development, but is nowhere near ready to be released. Now, fresh rumours suggest that Apple’s first product with a flexible screen will be a folding iPad, not an iPhone. Korean outlet The Elec has reported that Apple is working with sample bendable display panels from Samsung and LG, and that Samsung is the frontrunner due to its experience with the product category and its advanced manufacturing capabilities.

The purported device would have a 7- or 8-inch flexible OLED panel. For this reason, the report suggests that it might be intended to replace the 8.3-inch iPad mini, although it would certainly be priced significantly higher. That means Apple could target a different market segment with each product. Apple’s Q1 2024 earnings revealed that iPad sales were down by $2.4 billion dollars, as the category is largely stagnant and Apple did not launch a single new model in 2023. A more portable, foldable iPad could help Apple reinvigorate the category.

Considering that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 has a 7.6-inch internal screen, this would also still be within reason for a foldable iPhone. However, previous rumours have suggested that Apple is working on a foldable phone with a 6-7-inch screen, so plans might have changed or that might be a different product altogether. A foldable MacBook with a 20-inch screen has also been reportedly in development since at least last year

The rumoured 2026-2027 launch time frame suggests that Apple’s plans to refresh some of its current iPad lineup with OLED panels will not be affected by this new product introduction. Apple will be several years behind other industry players when it does introduce its foldable products, but the displays it will use are likely to be higher quality and more durable than what is currently on the market. A 2027 launch would also help Apple capitalise on the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone and the 10th anniversary of the iPhone X.