Apple’s first foldable iPhone is coming in 2026, seven years after Samsung debuted the Galaxy Fold. But with Samsung’s Z Fold 7 success, the timing may actually be just right.
Apple’s Foldable iPhone Timing for 2026 Could Be Perfect Given Samsung’s Recent Comments On Foldable Phones
After years of rumors, Apple is finally expected to release the iPhone Fold in 2026, marking a new chapter in the evolution of the iPhone lineup. While it might seem like Apple is late to the foldables party, recent comments from Samsung suggest otherwise.
In fact, Samsung’s own assessment of the market indicates Apple’s iPhone Fold timing could be perfect.
Samsung’s Foldable Phones Just Hit a Milestone
In a recent press release, Samsung revealed that the newly launched Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 have achieved record-breaking success:
- Galaxy Z Fold 7 pre-orders are up 50% compared to last year.
- Combined Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 pre-orders jumped 25% year-over-year.
- The Fold 7 now holds the record for most pre-orders in Z Fold history in the U.S.
According to Drew Blackard, Senior VP of Mobile Product Management at Samsung Electronics America:
“Foldables have reached an inflection point as they are becoming a mainstream choice for users… Now on our seventh generation, we’ve addressed consumer feedback year after year and have arrived at the kind of experience you can’t get on any other device.”
This statement underlines that it took seven generations of improvements for foldable phones to reach true mainstream viability. In other words, Samsung is subtly acknowledging that while earlier models were innovative, they suffered limitations that prevented widespread adoption.
Why Apple’s iPhone Fold Launch in 2026 Makes Sense
Apple’s decision to wait until 2026 to launch the iPhone Fold now seems less about lagging behind and more about strategic patience. With Samsung’s latest foldables finally hitting mainstream success after years of iterative upgrades, Apple may have waited just long enough to avoid early-stage growing pains.
Don’t miss this: Galaxy Z Fold7 Durability Test: Samsung’s Foldable Survives Scratches, Dust & Bends Like a Champ
Samsung’s Fold 7 and Flip 7 are thinner, more durable, and powered by refined AI features, exactly the kind of polished experience Apple aims for. And by entering the market now, Apple can capitalize on proven demand while delivering its own take on the foldable smartphone experience.
Foldable Smartphones: From Gimmick to Game-Changer
The foldable category has matured. Where early models were questioned for their durability and utility, today’s foldables are:
- More durable with enhanced hinge designs
- Thinner and lighter for daily portability
- Powered by AI, offering smarter multitasking and personalization
Samsung’s experience proves that foldables are no longer niche, and Apple’s entry could accelerate that growth even further.
Final Thoughts: A Foldable iPhone Right on Time
Apple’s 2026 foldable iPhone might not be first, but it may very well be the best timed. The iPhone Fold is expected to be just 4.8mm thick when unfolded, and will command a price tag upwards of $2,000, according to initial reports. With Samsung confirming that consumers are finally embracing foldables at scale, Apple’s calculated move into the space could be a game-changer.
Comments