The countdown has begun for what insiders are calling the “star” of the 2026 smartphone lineup: Apple’s first foldable iPhone. As part of a major overhaul that will see the product family expand to seven models by 2027, the foldable represents the most significant form-factor change in the device’s history. Reports describe the device as resembling “two titanium iPhone Airs side-by-side,” indicating a focus on premium materials and a slim, book-style or clamshell design. This device is not just an experiment; it is being positioned as a flagship product to launch in the fall window alongside the iPhone 18 Pro.
The introduction of the foldable is a key driver behind the company’s decision to split its release schedule. Manufacturing a foldable device involves complex hinges, flexible screens, and unique internal arrangements that differ vastly from rigid phones. By moving the standard iPhone 18 and other models to a spring launch, the company frees up its most advanced manufacturing lines and engineering talent to focus exclusively on the foldable and Pro models for the fall. This reduces the pressure on the supply chain and minimizes the risk of production bottlenecks.
The path to this device is being paved by the iPhone Air, which acts as a “technology exercise.” The Air allows engineers to test the titanium chassis and other miniaturized components in a shipping product before the stakes are raised with the foldable. This stepping-stone strategy ensures that when the foldable finally arrives, it avoids the durability issues that plagued early competitors in the foldable space.
The revenue implications of the foldable are also significant. By launching it in the fall, the company targets the holiday spending surge, aiming to convert early adopters and luxury buyers. The split schedule ensures that revenue remains stable throughout the year, as the spring launch of the standard and “e” models picks up the slack in Q2 and Q3.
In essence, the 2026 foldable is more than just a phone; it is the linchpin of a new operational era. It symbolizes the expansion to seven models, the shift to a biannual cycle, and the company’s commitment to hardware innovation. It is the “star” not just because it folds, but because it is reshaping the entire business strategy of the world’s biggest tech firm.