Foldable phones are set to become more diverse and popular in 2026, with new designs like flip, book-style, trifolds, and wide-screen models, driven by innovations and rumors of an upcoming foldable iPhone, leading to a projected 30% growth in shipments.
The upcoming iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be a thinner, 5.5mm device that could hint at Apple's future foldable phones, following industry trends set by Samsung. This move may allow Apple to capitalize on the slim phone trend and potentially pave the way for a foldable iPhone, possibly launching in 2026, while also addressing consumer demand for innovative, lightweight devices. The strategy mirrors Samsung's approach of first releasing slim phones before foldables, aiming to strengthen Apple's position in the evolving smartphone market.