For quite a while, Apple has been working on foldable devices and the technology has mostly caught up to the company’s high standards. It is expected to launch its first folding iPhone, a Galaxy Z Fold style device, in 2026, but it’s not going to stop there. A new report has suggested that there is a clamshell style iPhone Fold scheduled for 2028. With the iPhone Air’s unfortunate sales hurdles, looks like Apple is more invested in the foldable form factor.
The report from ET News (machine translated from Korean) states Apple is expected to launch a clamshell style foldable in 2028 to diversify its portfolio kicked off by a book-style foldable in 2026. Of course, Apple has not shared any information on either of the form factors and there are no official release timelines. That being said, a recent report suggested that Apple’s first foldable could be pushed to 2027, though the ET News report maintains the 2026 timeline.
Apple foldables are said to use new and improved display tech (for Apple) like LTPO, color filter-on-encapsulation (COE), cathode patterning material (CPM), and glass-metal-mesh-film (GMF). These will contribute to better display efficiency, improved transmittance, better under-display camera tech, and minimal creases. Apple wants a crease free display for its foldables and Samsung has been able to achieve the same, which will likely be featured in the Korean giant’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 as well.
Apple seems to be more committed to the foldable form factor than its thin and light iPhone Air. It was recently reported that the company has drastically reduced the production of the iPhone Air as demand has been dwindling, despite impressive initial sales numbers. Around the same time, an account on Weibo posted that the iPhone Air will definitely be cancelled, putting the future iterations of Apple’s thin and light iPhone in limbo.
I have always been passionate about gaming and technology, which drove me towards pursuing a career in the tech writing industry. I have spent over 7 years in the tech space and about a decade in content writing. I hope to continue to use this passion and generate informative, entertaining, and accurate content for readers.