Folding iPhone Might Arrive in 2026, if The Leakers Might Agree

Apple’s spaceship headquarters in Cupertino, California, all the time has a number of UFOs circling round it, although it’s uncommon to see them land. In case you learn the most-cited reviews from the most-prominent Apple rumormonger, Mark Gurman, the corporate’s most-interesting innovations and devices are sometimes two years away from full launch. These reviews could also be sufficient to maintain the general public enthusiastic about Apple’s subsequent transfer, however the hype gained’t final perpetually if the goalposts hold transferring.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman wrote in his newest Energy On publication Sunday that Apple has a giant 2027 in retailer to mark the twentieth anniversary of the iPhone. The tech reporter prompt we’d finally see a folding iPhone. Apple may comply with by on that long-sought ultra-thin smartphone-like machine that’s a curved sheet of glass with none cutouts. What’s extra, Gurman prompt Apple will lastly reveal new smart glasses that yr. There might be that promised robotic arm attached to an iPad-like display.

The tech media tends to comply with Gurman’s pronouncements as carefully as they do Apple’s official releases, however when you do, you’ll begin to discover there’s a pattern about what he writes. Bloomberg final prompt the good dwelling robotic arm might be right here as quickly as 2026. Final yr, Gurman proposed the folding iPhone would additionally arrive in 2026 as nicely. That’s to not recommend that Gurman has some say over Apple’s undertaking timelines, however Gurman’s crystal ball consultations shouldn’t be taken with no grain of salt.

On Monday, Gurman posted on X defending his unique timeline for the folding iPhone arriving by the tip of 2026. Responding to a MacRumors put up, Gurman wrote: “This concept I’ve modified timelines is nonsense however in any other case it provides some good stress and inspiration for feedback. It’s all the time been 2026.” He additionally commented in a separate put up that he “ought to have been clearer” concerning the correct timeline for the folding iPhone.

This concept I’ve modified timelines is nonsense however perceive it provides some good stress and inspiration for feedback. It’s all the time been 2026. My column yesterday is speaking about gadgets that may both launch or be in marketplace for 2027. It’ll launch finish of 26 and promote principally in 27.

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) May 12, 2025

Latest reporting from The Information and an updated timeline from common Apple provide chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo each recommend a 2026 launch date for the primary folding iPhone. A second-gen model might be on its method in 2027, in accordance with the analyst. These dates might change, and Apple can all the time push or pull initiatives primarily based by itself metrics.

Gurman obtained his begin at 9to5Mac, however he’s been a Bloomberg reporter since 2016. Bloomberg hires reporters who’ve inside info who can often get scoops, which in flip helps the corporate promote its $32,000-a-year subscription to Bloomberg Terminal. Bloomberg’s reporting shouldn’t be discounted, however it’s necessary to grasp Gurman’s viewers. Shoppers—a minimum of those that don’t have inventory in Apple—don’t care a lick concerning the Cupertino firm’s year-end projections.

Apple usually takes its time with new merchandise, however these days its timelines have resulted in a staggered, typically by-product lineup of merchandise that—regardless of being comparatively prime quality—are far too stale. Ignoring the relaunch of the marginally cheaper iPhone with the $600 iPhone 16e, the final large new factor from Apple was the Vision Pro, a $3,500 combined actuality headset that sports activities a few of the finest shows on this type issue with an attention-grabbing new tackle an working system, however continues to be too uncomfortable contemplating its huge value. VisionOS 3 may arrive this yr with all-new capabilities, in accordance with Gurman’s newest reviews.

The subsequent large factor is all the time on the horizon, which makes it onerous to remain excited concerning the iPhone maker. This yr should bring us a thin iPhone to compete towards Samsung’s ultra-thin S25 Galaxy Edge. Perhaps the following MacBook might lastly look slightly completely different than the identical, by-product design from 2021. Any attention-grabbing initiatives, just like the Pixar-like robotic lamps with a character, will stay a minimum of two years out.