Apple's foldable devices set to shake up Tech World

Apple has reportedly decided to enter the foldable smartphone race.

After years of rumors, analyst Jeff Pu from Gf Securities has provided an update on the possibilities of Apple's plans, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

According to the expert, the Cupertino company will begin mass production of at least two foldable devices, an iPhone and an iPad, by the first half of 2026. Before that, both high-tech devices will enter the final prototyping phase at Foxconn factories, the partner that makes a large part of the Apple product assembly line, this year. The prototypes will initially be reviewed by the company and employees for a long period, which could last up to a year.

In a research note published by GF Securities, Pu revealed that the timing of this process suggests that, barring any unexpected events, the products could hit the market between late 2026 and 2027. The analyst also predicted that the iPhone and iPad with removable screens could enter the prototyping phase that could begin as early as next month, a crucial step to refine the design and features. While Pu did not provide specific details, rumors suggest that the foldable iPhone will have an 8-inch internal display when unfolded, similar to an iPad Mini.

The foldable tablet will have a display that expands to 19 inches. The analyst also offered a glimpse into iPhone shipment forecasts for 2025, calling them "weak." This trend is partly due to the delay in the implementation of Siri's artificial intelligence features, which have been pushed back to next year, the report said.

However, Pu is optimistic about the future, predicting that the introduction of foldable devices in 2026 will provide a major boost to Apple and Foxconn's businesses. According to the latest report from Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), demand for foldable displays grew by 5% in 2024 compared to 2023, but is expected to decline by 4% this year.