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According to the latest report from The Information, the foldable iPhone that Apple has been secretly developing for many years has finally ended the experimental stage and is expected to be launched as early as 2026.

It is reported that the first foldable iPhone is a small foldable phone that folds up and down, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip released in 2020. This may be Apple’s biggest product design innovation since the iPhone X.

It's an open secret that Apple is secretly developing a foldable iPhone.

The Information once reported that Apple has two foldable iPhone prototypes of different sizes in the early development stage, internally codenamed V68 - this is Apple's common development model. The first generation iPhone had two prototype versions: full touch screen and wheel operation.

Today, the idea of ​​a foldable iPhone has moved beyond the conceptual stage and Apple is working on it with suppliers.

Not long ago, iFanr reported an Apple patent on "electronic devices with durable foldable displays", which is described as follows:

A groove may be formed in the glass layer extending along the bending axis, the groove forming a flexible localized thinning portion in the glass layer to enable the glass layer to bend about the bending axis.

The patent also states:

In order to ensure that the display cover layer exhibits satisfactory impact resistance during a drop, portions other than the aforementioned thinned portions, particularly corner portions and other edge portions, may be provided with a greater thickness.

This means that the foldable iPhone will focus on thickness and durability. Interestingly, Apple also has ideas for large foldable devices.

As early as this spring, Apple was approved for several patents related to folding screens, including folding screen hinges suitable for larger devices and new folding methods. A large number of patents show that Apple is focusing its attention on folding screen devices. Solving the problems of creases and thinness of foldable screen mobile phones is currently Apple's focus.

In addition to foldable phones, The Verge reported that Apple is also developing a foldable display device similar to the MacBook.

The device is equipped with Apple's M5 chip and a 20-inch or 18.8-inch display. It will also use new technology developed by Apple and LG Display to make it as "crease-free" as possible. It may go into production as early as the end of next year and start shipping in 2026.

However, the foldable iPhone and new folding-screen devices may only be part of Apple’s planned upgrades in the next few years. Combined with some recent rumors about the iPhone 17, 2026 may be a big year for the iPhone, and product lines from the iPhone SE to the folding iPhone may usher in major updates.

Weibo blogger @冰宇宙i revealed that the iPhone 17 will have a full series upgrade:

iPhone SE (4th generation): Introduced OLED for the first time in the iPhone SE series and significantly increased in size.

iPhone 17 Standard Model: The introduction of LTPO panels for the first time in an iPhone (resulting in a 120Hz variable refresh rate and the possibility of supporting AOD).

iPhone 17 Pro series: the first to come with 12GB RAM and an iPhone with three 48MP cameras.

iPhone 17 Slim (Ultra): A redesigned ultra-thin model.

In fact, Apple is often radical and conservative in the development of new products. For example, the TrueDepth camera module that appeared on the iPhone X is now a standard feature of the iPhone family, but apart from Apple, no other manufacturers have followed suit.

Vision Pro, whose hardware specifications and interaction methods are far ahead of the industry, also demonstrates Apple's forward-looking thinking in the field of spatial computing.

But at the same time, when other competitors have entered the foldable screen market, Apple has not launched related products. In the high-end mobile phone market, the iPhone is the most expensive straight-screen mobile phone, and most similar products are flagship models with foldable screens as their selling point. This time, Apple's intensive update of its product line and entry into the foldable screen field may be related to Apple's urgent need to stimulate iPhone sales and tell a new growth story.

Large folding picture of iPhone created by netizens

The Information reported that in the most recent quarter ending in March, iPhone sales fell 11% compared to the same period last year. The global economic slowdown and fierce competition from local Chinese smartphone brands are important reasons for the decline in sales. Obviously, Apple has realized the sense of crisis, and the popular foldable screen mobile phone is obviously a good market.

According to a report from Cailianshe, the sales volume of foldable screens has shown a rapid upward trend in recent years, and is expected to continue to maintain rapid growth in 2024-2025. The market share is also increasing, entering a stage of rapid penetration, and is expected to reach 20% by the end of 2025.

Today, the foldable screen market has become increasingly mature in terms of both design and industrial chain. Although the iPhone entered the market relatively late, Apple has always been good at catching up. Various signs show that Apple is clearly well prepared this time. If it can rely on its own technical strength to better solve problems such as creases, thinness, and performance, it may promote the further popularity of foldable screen mobile phones.