Just a few short weeks ago, we were living in a whimsical world where Apple was supposedly going to launch at least two foldable devices in 2026. Ah, what young fools we were, as a new report from GSMArena claims that Apple may push back introducing a foldable — any foldable — until at least 2027 and possibly into 2028.
That Apple foldable forecast comes to us courtesy of analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, a reliable tipster, whose leaks are more often than not correct. According to Kuo, Apple was supposed to start producing its first foldable in 2026 but has pushed that back to late 2027, or early 2028.
Allegedly, Apple has been working on a hybrid folding 20.5-inch Macbook/iPad. As for the iPhone Flip, patent filings suggest that Apple is developing a clamshell-style handset that's favored by already shipping phones such as the Motorola Razr or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6.
Kuo's report claims the hybrid will have a display size of 18.8-inches, with Apple dropping plans for a 20.5-inch design. The delayed production is due to "technical challenges" with the display and mechanical components, he says.
The report doesn't mention the iPhone Flip, which was also supposed to debut in 2026, as Kuo claims the foldable MacBook will be Apple's first foldable. So any delay on that product is more than likely causing a delay in producing a foldable iPhone.
This isn't even the first time this year we've seen reports that the Apple foldable is delayed or possibly even canceled.
Because we've been locked into a cycle of rumor and speculation, it's unclear what Apple is looking for when it comes to a foldable device or why the Cupertino-company's version keeps getting pushed back. It's hard to make one of the best foldables if you never enter the ring.
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