Apple's first foldable device delayed to 2026, claims analyst

Apple's entrance into the foldable category, likely in the form of an iPad, has been rumored for what seems like an eternity at this point. Several reports from recent months have indicated that a foldable iPad may enter mass production as soon as 2025 or 2026, which, if true, would likely be Apple's next 'big thing' following the Vision Pro.

Now, of course, Apple is already far too late to the party when it comes to foldable devices, with Samsung having already unveiled the 6th generation of its Galaxy Fold tablet. This is far from surprising, considering that Apple has long been associated with a tough stance on product quality.

According to a recent report by analyst Jeff Pu which was accessed by MacRumors, it has been claimed that the rumored foldable from Apple has been delayed to Q2 of 2026 at the earliest. This is likely because of 'display durability' issues, as noted by Pu. Previous reports have also pointed out that Apple has adopted a strict approach to its foldable's durability, as well as minimization of the 'crease' along which the device folds. 

Previous reports have indicated that Apple is experimenting with various form factors for its first foldable - one of which includes a top-down folding iPhone, quite similar to the Z Flip series from Samsung. The company has also been rumored to be in talks with suppliers in Asia, granting further credibility to the rumor. Another possible form factor includes a 20-inch foldable MacBook, which, however, is expected to hit shelves no sooner than 2027 as per analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.