Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone tomorrow. The device is described as being short, squat, and wide, resembling the size and shape of a passport. This form factor aligns with recent releases from Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi, as well as upcoming products from Oppo and Honor.
Reports indicate Apple has been developing a foldable iPhone since 2017. Samsung is reportedly the manufacturer of the foldable display panel used in the new iPhone. The industry suggests that rivals may have adopted the wide foldable design based on Apple's plans, similar to how the iPhone Air and MacBook Neo influenced subsequent products from Samsung, Lenovo, Dell, and Acer.
Despite the presence of foldables for seven years, the market remains niche. Counterpoint estimates that foldables accounted for 1.6% of all smartphone sales in 2025. However, shipments are expected to grow by 20% this year, with Apple projected to capture a 28% market share within a few months of launch.
This launch marks the first hardware release under CEO John Ternus, former head of hardware engineering. The event may also see a shift in release schedules, as iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to be available first, while the standard iPhone 18 may be delayed until early next year.