Apple is planning to release its first foldable iPhone in 2026, and will follow that with a foldable iPad in 2028, says Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Kuo joins several other sources that have so far confirmed that Apple has plans to release its initial foldable iPhone model in 2026, as a part of the iPhone 18 lineup. Meanwhile, foldable iPad rumors have been few and far between. In July, Digitimes reported that Apple had decided to pause work on a foldable iPad. The publication said Apple is holding off on the foldable tablet due to increased production expenses and other factors.
Some analysts had expected Apple to release a foldable iPad before it offered a foldable iPhone. In 2022, we reported that an analyst at CCS Insight had said that Apple would release a foldable tablet by 2024.
Kuo says Apple is will use ultra-thin cover glass for both the foldable iPhone and foldable iPad. Corning will supply the ultra-thin cover glass, but General Interface Solutions (GIS) will work with Corning when it comes to cutting, corner treatments, inspection, packaging, and shipping.
Kuo expects Apple to sell somewhere between 8 to 10 million foldable iPhones in 2026, and as many as 25 million in 2027. Kuo expects the foldable iPad not to sell as well because it will be priced “considerably higher” than the foldable iPhone.
On Monday, Kuo reiterated his previous comments that Apple’s first foldable iPhone will sport a Touch ID-enabled power button, same as current iPad Air, iPad mini, and entry-level iPad models.
Kuo has previously said the foldable iPhone may include two rear cameras, a single front-facing camera, and Touch ID integrated into the power button. The device could measure just 4.5mm thick when unfolded, and between 9mm and 9.5mm when closed.