Apple likely to release foldable iPhone as early as 2026, the Information reports By Reuters

(Reuters) – Apple Inc is likely to release a foldable iPhone as early as 2026, the Information reported on Tuesday, potentially marking the biggest hardware design revamp of the company’s most popular product.

The Cupertino, California-based company’s plan to launch a foldable iPhone could mimic a similar move by Samsung Electronics Co. (KS:), which pioneered the foldable phone segment in 2019 in an attempt to attract new customers with a major design update.

Apple’s foldable iPhone has moved from concept to production, the report said, citing two people familiar with the matter.

The information stated that the company has contacted suppliers in Asia to manufacture the components of the device, adding that the iPhone manufacturer has created an internal code name V68 for the product.

Foldable smartphones with AI features are expected to boost demand for the iPhone maker, which faces stiff competition from Honor and Huawei in China and Samsung globally.

Samsung unveiled its latest foldable smartphone earlier in July, making its pricier flagship model lighter and thinner with new AI features.

The global foldable smartphone market grew 49% year-on-year in the first quarter, marking its highest growth rate in six quarters, according to a Counterpoint Research report released in May, with Huawei taking the top spot for the first time, beating Samsung.

Apple is also planning to bring an upgrade to the camera of at least one iPhone model that will allow users to control the aperture size with a mechanical system, allowing users to create a depth-of-field effect, according to the report.

The report also noted that there are no guarantees that Apple will launch a foldable iPhone.

Apple did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.