After seven generations of innovation by Samsung, Apple prepares to enter the foldable market in 2026 with a premium iPhone
Samsung Built the Foldable Future — Apple Wants to Mainstream It
Samsung has spent over five years refining foldable smartphones, launching its seventh-gen Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 in 2025. Now, Apple is preparing to enter the arena, possibly in late 2026, with its first foldable iPhone. According to insider Mark Gurman, Apple believes the market is finally mature, thanks to Samsung’s persistence and engineering.
- Samsung tackled hinge reliability, display durability, and form factor usability.
- Apple will likely leverage that foundation to mass-market foldables, just as it did with smartwatches and wireless earbuds.
Foldable iPhone: Built on Samsung’s Blueprint
Apple’s rumored foldable device will reportedly mirror the Galaxy Z Fold’s design, focusing on a tablet-sized inner display that folds inward.
- Gurman notes Apple’s foldable iPhone could have a nearly invisible crease and improved durability—two key pain points Samsung has already addressed.
- The hardware itself may not be revolutionary, but Apple’s brand power and ecosystem integration could make foldables a mainstream trend.
iOS 27: Fold-Optimized Software in the Works
While Samsung’s One UI has continuously evolved for foldables, Apple is now developing iOS 27 to accommodate its future foldable form factor.
- The upcoming software will focus on multitasking, app continuity, and fold-aware UI behaviors.
- Apple’s attention to software polish could set new UX standards—and push Samsung to elevate One UI even further.
Irony: Apple’s Foldable Will Use Samsung Displays
In an ironic twist, Samsung Display will reportedly supply OLED panels for Apple’s first foldable—competing directly with its own Galaxy Z lineup.
- This means Apple’s entrance will boost Samsung’s component revenue while challenging its mobile dominance.
- Samsung has perfected foldables, but Apple may be the one to commercialize them globally—just like it did with Face ID and AirPods.
Can Samsung Hold Its Ground?
With the Galaxy Z Fold 8 expected before Apple’s foldable debut, Samsung still has time to innovate and solidify its lead:
- Improvements in crease reduction, weight, durability, and productivity features are expected in Z Fold 8.
- Samsung also holds a key advantage with years of user feedback and real-world foldable experience.
Still, Apple’s influence could trigger a massive market shift, turning foldables from niche to mainstream in a single launch cycle.
Let’s just hope Apple doesn’t price its first foldable at $3,000, considering the Galaxy Z Fold 7 starts at $1,999.
