Samsung is poised to reveal the seventh iteration of its foldable Galaxy devices, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7, during an Unpacked event next Wednesday. This announcement arrives at a time when most leading smartphone brands have already rolled out at least one foldable model since Samsung introduced its inaugural Fold device. Apple stands out as a significant exception, recognized for its tentative stance on embracing new technologies. Nonetheless, Apple is expected to make its entry into the foldable market with a foldable iPhone, likely included in the iPhone 18 series next year. A foldable iPad is also in development, likely launching the following year, although recent reports indicate that Apple might postpone its release to concentrate on the foldable iPhone.
As reported by Digitimes, the foldable iPhone reached the Prototype 1 stage in June, with the prototyping phase anticipated to wrap up by late 2025, moving on to the Engineering Verification Test phase. The foldable iPhone is aimed for launch in the second half of 2026. Initially, Apple had plans for a foldable iPad, but it is now confirmed that the iPhone will be introduced first, with the iPad’s development currently on hold. Issues such as the intricacy of manufacturing foldable panels and the potential high expenses affecting sales are mentioned as factors for the postponement of the foldable iPad’s debut.
