Folding iPhone Might Arrive in 2026, if The Leakers May Agree

Apple’s spaceship headquarters in Cupertino, California, at all times has a number of UFOs circling round it, although it’s uncommon to see them land. In case you learn the most-cited experiences from the most-prominent Apple rumormonger, Mark Gurman, the corporate’s most-interesting innovations and devices are sometimes two years away from full launch. These experiences could also be sufficient to maintain the general public enthusiastic about Apple’s subsequent transfer, however the hype received’t final without end if the goalposts hold transferring.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman wrote in his newest Energy On publication Sunday that Apple has a giant 2027 in retailer to mark the twentieth anniversary of the iPhone. The tech reporter prompt we’d finally see a folding iPhone. Apple can also comply with by on that long-sought ultra-thin smartphone-like system that’s a curved sheet of glass with none cutouts. What’s extra, Gurman prompt Apple will lastly reveal new smart glasses that 12 months. There could possibly be that promised robotic arm attached to an iPad-like display.

The tech media tends to comply with Gurman’s pronouncements as carefully as they do Apple’s official releases, however should you do, you’ll begin to discover there’s a pattern about what he writes. Bloomberg final prompt the good house robotic arm could possibly be right here as quickly as 2026. Final 12 months, Gurman proposed the folding iPhone would additionally arrive in 2026 as effectively. That’s to not recommend that Gurman has some say over Apple’s mission timelines, however Gurman’s crystal ball consultations shouldn’t be taken and not using a grain of salt.

On Monday, Gurman posted on X defending his unique timeline for the folding iPhone arriving by the tip of 2026. Responding to a MacRumors put up, Gurman wrote: “This concept I’ve modified timelines is nonsense however in any other case it provides some good pressure and inspiration for feedback. It’s at all times been 2026.” He additionally commented in a separate put up that he “ought to have been clearer” relating to the correct timeline for the folding iPhone.

This concept I’ve modified timelines is nonsense however perceive it provides some good pressure and inspiration for feedback. It’s at all times been 2026. My column yesterday is speaking about objects that can both launch or be in marketplace for 2027. It’ll launch finish of 26 and promote largely in 27.

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) May 12, 2025

Latest reporting from The Information and an updated timeline from common Apple provide chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo each recommend a 2026 launch date for the primary folding iPhone. A second-gen model could possibly be on its approach in 2027, based on the analyst. These dates might change, and Apple can at all times push or pull initiatives primarily based by itself metrics.

Gurman received his begin at 9to5Mac, however he’s been a Bloomberg reporter since 2016. Bloomberg hires reporters who’ve inside data who can commonly get scoops, which in flip helps the corporate promote its $32,000-a-year subscription to Bloomberg Terminal. Bloomberg’s reporting shouldn’t be discounted, however it’s necessary to know Gurman’s viewers. Shoppers—no less than those that don’t have inventory in Apple—don’t care a lick concerning the Cupertino firm’s year-end projections.

Apple usually takes its time with new merchandise, however currently its timelines have resulted in a staggered, usually by-product lineup of merchandise that—regardless of being comparatively top quality—are far too stale. Ignoring the relaunch of the marginally cheaper iPhone with the $600 iPhone 16e, the final large new factor from Apple was the Vision Pro, a $3,500 blended actuality headset that sports activities a number of the greatest shows on this kind issue with an fascinating new tackle an working system, however continues to be too uncomfortable contemplating its huge price. VisionOS 3 may arrive this 12 months with all-new capabilities, based on Gurman’s newest experiences.

The following large factor is at all times on the horizon, which makes it laborious to remain excited concerning the iPhone maker. This 12 months should bring us a thin iPhone to compete in opposition to Samsung’s ultra-thin S25 Galaxy Edge. Perhaps the following MacBook might lastly look a bit of totally different than the identical, by-product design from 2021. Any fascinating initiatives, just like the Pixar-like robotic lamps with a persona, will stay no less than two years out.