The rumors about Apple creating a foldable smartphone have been around for a while now. Nearly a year ago, it was rumored that the pursuit was delayed for at least another year, with the supposed iPhone ‘Flip’ not coming until 2026. None of this has ever been acknowledged by Apple directly, though. However, a recent interview with two Apple executives might have just spurred some acknowledgment that they are working on it.

In a chat with Joanna Stern from the Wall Street Journal, Craig Federighi, software Chief, and Greg Joswiak, the marketing head, were asked if the release of iOS 26, making the screen feel bigger, is a precursor to a bigger display or, in fact, a foldable one. In response, the two started laughing and joking about the fact that it’s already large enough and the fact that folding it would break it.

However, just before the next Joanna reiterates that they would make a foldable phone, to which Greg replies, “Who’s to say?”. That does leave a rather vague, non-committal response. This leaves it open that Apple might finally be pursuing the technology that the competition has already released, such as the Samsung Z Flip.

Apple foldable devices

The latest rumors suggest it might not just be the iPhone that gets the folding screen but also a much larger device, potentially the iPad, too. As reported by 9to5mac, they have seen research notes published by Jeff Pu that showcase what Apple is working on for the next couple of years, including a 7.8-inch iPhone fold and an 18.8-inch foldable, which would likely be an iPad Fold.

It also reports that these would start mass production at the end of 2026, although it might first be the iPhone first, since Mark Gurman reports the company is instead targeting 2028 for the iPad that would unfold to the size of two side by side.

There are also suggestions as to why Apple might have finally tried this technology on its devices. As an insider at Samsung’s technology, Lanzuk reported on Samsung’s improvements to its foldable screen. Particularly, the new screen meets Apple’s desired thickness, power-to-weight ratio, brightness, and more. This was supposedly achieved by reducing the thickness by 19% due to integrating the touch sensor into the display itself.

All of this culminates in the fact that, in the coming years, Apple is likely to release a range of foldable devices, but with its own quality standards and features built into them. It might have been just waiting for the tech to improve before trying it themselves.

WSJ interview

About the Author

Sebastian Kozlowski

With a fascination for technology and games, Seb is a tech writer with a focus on hardware, news, and deals. He is also a tester and reviewer for the site. Contact him @ [email protected]