Skip to main content

Don’t expect a folding iPhone anytime soon

Concept render of foldable iPhone.
Tech Aesthetics / YouTube

Samsung is expected to reveal the sixth-generation Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip in July. And what about Apple? A new report suggests the first foldable iPhone might not arrive until 2027 — two years later than a previous rumor suggested.

According to TrendForce, “Apple is still evaluating component specifications and performance, with strict requirements for crease and reliability.” Further, “(Apple’s) entry could significantly shift market dynamics.” TrendForce monitors and forecasts demand for smartphone components.

Recommended Videos

In February, some suggested Apple would unveil a foldable iPhone in 2025. This latest news suggests that the date wasn’t correct, and we won’t see this type of phone for another three years at the earliest.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Apple’s approach to the “iPhone Flip” is intriguing, though also frustrating for anyone holding out for a foldable phone that uses iOS. Rather than rushing into the market, Apple is carefully studying the successes and failures of other foldable phone manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, and Google. This strategy could potentially lead to a more refined and reliable product.

One unique feature of Apple’s first foldable phone could be its ability to self-repair. Last month, the company was awarded 51 patents covering self-healing properties for future handsets. That alone could be a reason to wait, no?

For those who aren’t willing to wait for a foldable iPhone, wait until July 10. That’s the date Samsung is likely to announce its newest Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Z Fold models. Also expected this year is the Google Pixel Fold 2 and Motorola Razr 50 Ultra foldable phones.

Bryan M. Wolfe
Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer. He writes about mobile.
Spigen just accidentally leaked iPhone SE 4 renders
iPhone SE 4 leak by Majin Bu.

The iPhone SE 4 has been a highly-anticipated handset for a while now, and we expect it to drop sometime next week. We just got another good look at it, courtesy of case manufacturer Spigen. The company uploaded images of its case to its website, along with an iPhone inside the case. The website says it's an iPhone SE (3rd gen), but one look at the images shows that isn't the case.

Of course, we already had a solid idea of what the iPhone SE 4 would look like. The renders don't really come with any surprises; in many ways, the iPhone SE 4 looks like the iPhone 14, complete with the notch at the top. The case renders also show a single camera on the rear of the phone. One interesting change is the Alert Slider — the button on the side of your iPhone that enables/disables vibration — seems to have been replaced with an Action Button instead.

Read more
The iOS 18.4 Beta could drop as soon as February 12
Natural Titanium iPhone 16 Pro Max (left) and a Blue Titanium iPhone 15 Pro.

With the launch of the new Powerbeats and the iPhone SE 4, next week is a busy one for Apple fans — but even more surprises could be on the way with the release of iOS 18.4 Beta 1, according to Mark Gurman. There's a chance the launch could be pushed back until the week after, but it will most likely arrive before the end of February.

The coming iOS 18.4 beta is rumored to introduce a lot of changes related to Apple Intelligence functionality and Siri, including awareness of what's on screen, personal context, and much more. If this change comes through, it would mark a turning point for Siri. The assistant has long trailed behind the competition, and an update that brings it to the same level of power as Google Assistant or Alexa would be a huge boon for Apple users.

Read more
The U.K. wants unchecked access to all iPhones worldwide
A person holding an iPhone in their hand.

In 2016, the FBI requested Apple to grant it an iOS backdoor access, but the company rejected it, with the “No” coming straight from CEO Tim Cook. In 2021, Apple even sued an Australian company that unlocked an iPhone for the same federal law enforcement agency.

Apple is once again at a security crossroads that could pose an existential threat to its iPhone business, and the privacy of users across the globe. According to The Washington Post, the British government has ordered Apple to give them “blanket” access to the encrypted materials saved by iPhone users on the iCloud online storage drive.

Read more