Apple readies first foldable iPhone for 2026 launch: What to expect

AI-generated image of a foldable iPhone

Apple is preparing to enter the foldable phone market with its first bendable iPhone, code-named V68, Bloomberg has reported. The device resembles Samsung’s book-style foldables that open into a tablet-sized screen and is slated for release next year, with suppliers planning to ramp up production in early 2026 ahead of a fall debut.

According to Bloomberg, Apple’s foldable will feature four cameras: one on the cover, one inside, and two on the back. In a departure from recent models, the device will drop Face ID in favour of a Touch ID sensor, echoing earlier iPhone generations. Like the upcoming iPhone Air, it will also lack a physical SIM slot, signalling Apple’s continued push toward eSIM-only devices.

Colour options under testing are currently limited to black and white, though plans could evolve before launch. The foldable will debut with Apple’s first in-house cellular modem, the C2 chip, designed to rival Qualcomm’s latest offerings. The same modem will also power the iPhone 18 Pro series, which otherwise won’t see major design changes from this year’s models.

Bloomberg notes that Apple has recently altered its display technology strategy for the foldable. The company had originally planned to use on-cell touch sensors, but concerns over air gaps and more visible creases prompted a shift to in-cell touch screens. This approach, already used in standard iPhones, should improve both crease visibility and touch accuracy.

While pricing and branding remain unclear, analysts expect Apple’s foldable to draw heavy consumer demand simply by virtue of being the company’s first entry into the segment—especially given the loyalty of buyers who routinely pay a premium for Apple’s latest hardware.