Apple has not yet released a foldable device, even though triple-screen foldable phones are already available. Initially, rumors suggested that Apple would introduce a Galaxy Z Flip competitor by 2026. However, display analyst Ross Young has recently claimed that Apple’s first foldable phone will instead compete with the Galaxy Z Fold, which has a larger, horizontally folding screen.
According to Ross Young, Apple’s 2026 foldable will feature a “Fold” form factor, indicating that it will likely resemble the Galaxy Z Fold rather than a Galaxy Z Flip. This new information contradicts earlier predictions about a vertical flip-style phone and suggests that Apple is focusing on a device with a larger screen that folds horizontally. The device may be released in the second half of 2026.
If Apple opts for a Galaxy Z Fold-like design, the foldable device could run a version of iPadOS rather than iOS. This would make sense due to the larger screen, which would benefit from more advanced multitasking capabilities. On the other hand, a device similar to the Galaxy Z Flip would probably retain iOS, possibly optimized for the smaller, vertically folding screen. Currently, iPhones do not support multi-window views, so applying the same limited iOS to a foldable device with a larger screen would not be practical.
Apple’s plans for foldable devices are still uncertain. The company is known for its careful and high-quality product development, and it has reportedly faced difficulties in creating a foldable phone that meets its durability standards. As a result, Apple’s strategy for 2026 could change, or the foldable device could be delayed or even canceled entirely.
