TECH NEWS — Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone is reportedly taking shape in two directions: a book-style model tipped for 2026 and a compact clamshell variant following in 2028. Supply-chain chatter suggests Apple is already aligning partners for the 2026 debut, while the extra time is being spent tackling crease visibility and hinge longevity.

Rumors say the first “iPhone Fold” (unofficial name) will open vertically like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold, with some descriptions likening it to “two iPhone Air units stacked together.” The second model, targeting 2028, would embrace the flip form factor, aimed at users who prize portability and style.

At ETNews’ Tech Summit, Stone Partners director Kim Ki-hyun indicated that Apple and its suppliers are preparing for a 2026 release and plan to diversify the foldable lineup by early 2028 — signaling a long-term strategy rather than a one-off experiment.

The book-style device is rumored to pair an LTPO panel with a suite of display innovations (COE, CPM, Clear OC, and an under-display camera) and to employ a glass mid-frame for added rigidity and durability. The clamshell variant is expected to use a single flexible OLED that folds top-to-bottom, preserving full screen size when open — a modern spin on the flip phones popular two decades ago.

The hinge is a centerpiece: reports point to a hybrid-material design to maximize strength and reduce creasing. Apple’s later entry could let it dodge early pitfalls and ship a more refined take on the category.

Source: Wccftech, ETNews