Apple is expected to experience a particularly important year in 2026. Besides new generations of iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other familiar devices, two completely new products are rumored. These new additions could reaffirm Apple's well-known motto, "Not the first, but the best." These new products are a foldable iPhone and smart glasses, the Apple Glasses.
Apple is known for not immediately entering new markets. Instead, the company observes existing competitor products for years and only launches its own solutions when the technology, software, and user experience appear sufficiently mature. This approach now seems likely for 2026 as well. Both foldable smartphones and smart glasses have existed for years, but so far haven't really gained widespread acceptance. Apple apparently sees this as the right time.
Two new products of particular importance
Among the many anticipated Apple innovations for 2026, two devices stand out in particular. Both belong to product categories that Apple has consciously avoided until now.
iPhone Fold
A foldable iPhone has been discussed for years. Samsung launched its first foldable phone back in 2019 and has released several generations since. Other manufacturers followed suit, but Apple held back.
Numerous indications point to the iPhone Fold becoming a reality in 2026. The device is expected to differ significantly from previous foldable phones. A key feature is a reportedly virtually crease-free display, addressing one of the biggest weaknesses of current foldable smartphones.
The design will utilize high-quality materials, including titanium and a design language inspired by the iPhone Air. Apple is apparently aiming for a particularly lightweight yet robust casing.
The iPhone Fold is also specially designed from a software perspective. iOS 27 is expected to offer enhanced multitasking features that are optimally tailored to the larger, foldable display. This should make the device not just a larger iPhone, but also enable new usage scenarios.
Apple Glasses as a new wearable
Apple Glasses also have a long history. For years, Apple hinted at working on glasses as a new wearable device. For a long time, it was assumed that they would be fully-fledged AR glasses.
However, with the Apple Vision Pro, Apple initially took a different approach. The Apple Glasses are not intended to be AR glasses for the time being, but rather AI-powered smart glasses.
The focus is on close collaboration with the iPhone and the entire Apple ecosystem. The glasses are designed to benefit from the new AI-based Siri and provide context-sensitive information. Apple is drawing on existing strengths in this endeavor, such as its experience with AirPods, the miniaturization of its own chips, and the deep integration of hardware and software.
Compared to competing products from companies like Meta or Google, the Apple Glasses are intended to appear less experimental and more geared towards everyday usability.
Apple's strategy compared to the competition
Apple is entering both markets years after other manufacturers with these products. Samsung, Google, and Meta have a head start in both areas. Nevertheless, both the market for foldable smartphones and that for smart glasses has remained relatively small so far.
This is precisely where Apple's strategy comes in. If Apple can eliminate typical weaknesses of the competition while simultaneously delivering a coherent overall experience, the iPhone Fold and Apple Glasses could represent a breakthrough for their respective product categories.
Apple is carefully targeting new markets in 2026
With the iPhone Fold and Apple Glasses, Apple is planning two significant steps into new markets for 2026. Both products reflect Apple's well-known philosophy of not being the first to offer a product, but rather delivering a particularly refined one. Whether Apple can actually surpass the competition remains to be seen. However, the timing seems favorable for finally establishing foldable smartphones and smart glasses in the mainstream. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: twinsterphoto / DepositPhotos.com)
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