Folding iPhone Could 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. For those who learn the most-cited studies 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 studies could also be sufficient to maintain the general public enthusiastic about Apple’s subsequent transfer, however the hype gained’t final eternally if the goalposts maintain transferring.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman wrote in his newest Energy On publication Sunday that Apple has an enormous 2027 in retailer to mark the twentieth anniversary of the iPhone. The tech reporter advised we’d finally see a folding iPhone. Apple might also observe via on that long-sought ultra-thin smartphone-like machine that’s a curved sheet of glass with none cutouts. What’s extra, Gurman advised Apple will lastly reveal new smart glasses that 12 months. There could possibly be that promised robotic arm attached to an iPad-like display.

The tech media tends to observe Gurman’s pronouncements as intently as they do Apple’s official releases, however for those who do, you’ll begin to discover there’s a pattern about what he writes. Bloomberg final advised the good house robotic arm could possibly be right here as quickly as 2026. Final 12 months, Gurman proposed the folding iPhone would additionally arrive in 2026 as nicely. That’s to not counsel that Gurman has some say over Apple’s challenge timelines, however Gurman’s crystal ball consultations shouldn’t be taken and not using a grain of salt.

On Monday, Gurman posted on X defending his unique timeline for the folding iPhone arriving by the top of 2026. Responding to a MacRumors publish, Gurman wrote: “This concept I’ve modified timelines is nonsense however in any other case it provides some good pressure and inspiration for feedback. It’s all the time been 2026.” He additionally commented in a separate publish 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 pressure and inspiration for feedback. It’s all the time been 2026. My column yesterday is speaking about gadgets that can 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 counsel a 2026 launch date for the primary folding iPhone. A second-gen model could possibly be on its manner in 2027, in response to the analyst. These dates could change, and Apple can all the time push or pull initiatives based mostly by itself metrics.

Gurman acquired his begin at 9to5Mac, however he’s been a Bloomberg reporter since 2016. Bloomberg hires reporters who’ve inside info who can frequently 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, nevertheless it’s necessary to grasp Gurman’s viewers. Customers—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, usually spinoff 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 number of the finest shows on this kind issue with an fascinating new tackle an working system, however remains to be too uncomfortable contemplating its monumental price. VisionOS 3 might arrive this 12 months with all-new capabilities, in response to Gurman’s newest studies.

The following large factor is all the time on the horizon, which makes it laborious to remain excited concerning the iPhone maker. This 12 months should bring us a thin iPhone to compete in opposition to Samsung’s ultra-thin S25 Galaxy Edge. Possibly the following MacBook could lastly look a bit totally different than the identical, spinoff design from 2021. Any fascinating initiatives, just like the Pixar-like robotic lamps with a character, will stay a minimum of two years out.