Apple may release a foldable gadget in 2026 or 2027 with a display size of 7 to 8 inches, potentially competing with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Apple fans may soon see the tech titan’s entrance into the world of foldable gadgets, with new rumors pointing to a launch in 2026 or possibly stretching into 2027. Despite long-held expectations for a foldable iPhone or iPad, solid specifics have been elusive, with only patent doodles providing peeks into Apple‘s work in this exciting field.
Beyond its first venture, sources suggest a 20.25-inch foldable device set for 2028, blurring the distinction between iPad and Mac branding. This larger device suggests Apple’s desire to investigate the potential of foldables beyond smartphones, possibly expanding into foldable laptops or a new product category entirely.
According to the Korean website The Elec, as reported by MacRumors, buyers should expect Apple’s first foldable tablet to have a display size of 7 to 8 inches. This puts it in direct rivalry with the 7.6-inch Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, indicating a strong contender in the fast developing foldable smartphone industry.
Industry insiders anticipate a book-style design for Apple’s foldable smartphone, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, rather than the flip phone design seen in smaller devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.
One intriguing part of this discovery is the confusion about whether this device would be a foldable iPhone or a foldable iPad. The Elec increases the prospect that it will replace the iPad mini line. However, Apple is also said to be creating an iPad mini with an OLED screen, posing a conundrum for the company’s strategic roadmap.
This uncertainty extends to the selection of display providers. According to the source, Samsung Display and LG Display have been supplying Apple with 7- and 8-inch panel samples since the previous year. Samsung Display is expected to be the key supplier, leveraging its experience in making screens for the popular Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip product lines.
Regardless of these positive advancements, it is critical to handle this material with prudence. The details presented appear to be in their early stages, with room for future changes. While the thought of Apple launching a foldable smartphone in 2026 or 2027 is exciting, it is still susceptible to further research and potential revisions in the future.
