It has been rumored that Apple is developing two foldable devices, one being a clamshell foldable iPhone known as V68 and the other being an M5-powered iPad/Mac hybrid with a 20.3-inch internal display.
Previously, it was reported that the iPhone Flip would be released in 2026 followed by the foldable iPad/Mac hybrid a year later.
However, a new report from Apple analyst Jeff Pu suggests that both devices will be released in 2026, with the foldable iPad/Mac hybrid expected to launch in the second quarter and the foldable iPhone toward the end of the year.
Apple’s delayed entry into the foldable market is due to concerns about the durability of the displays. Apple has reportedly signed a contract with Samsung for foldable displays and has been awarded a patent for a more durable glass panel design.
The decision to release the foldable iPad/Mac hybrid first is to allow Samsung more time to produce enough displays for the foldable iPhone.
Earlier this year, it was reported that Apple had developed two iPhone prototypes. One was a foldable book-style model, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line, and the other was a clamshell design, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series.
Apple may have chosen the clamshell design for their first foldable iPhone due to the popularity of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip models as the most popular foldable phones.
In 2026, a foldable clamshell iPhone would face competition from Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 8, as well as the Motorola Razr (2026) and Razr+ (2026). Additional competitors from China may include updated models of the Vivo X Flip and Xiaomi Mix Flip.
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