iPhone 2026: Apple plans foldable model and new design Apfelpatient

Apple is already working on the next big iPhone generation. While the iPhone 16e has just been released and four more models are planned for fall 2025, there are already concrete indications of two completely new iPhone designs for 2026. One of them will be a foldable iPhone, which is already in the final stages of development. In addition, Apple is planning another new model, about which few details are known so far. This information comes from a report by Mark Gurman, who regularly reports on Apple's plans and often makes accurate predictions. His latest revelations suggest that Apple could implement some of the biggest design changes in iPhone history in 2026.

Apple traditionally holds back on major design changes and usually introduces innovations gradually. But the latest reports show that the iPhone roadmap for the coming years is more ambitious than ever. The iPhone 17 Air is set to appear as an ultra-thin model as early as 2025, while the Pro versions are also set to receive a new design. The fact that Apple is nevertheless planning two completely new designs for 2026 suggests that these are more than just minor adjustments. The question of how a foldable iPhone will differ from devices already available from other manufacturers is particularly exciting. At the same time, it remains unclear what the second new design is all about. Gurman's wording suggests that Apple is planning something completely new that goes beyond a mere further development of existing models.

A foldable iPhone for 2026

According to Gurman is located The foldable iPhone is in the final stages of development and is expected to be launched in 2026. Apple has been working on the technology for several years, but has not yet ventured into the foldable smartphone market. While Samsung, Huawei and other manufacturers already offer various models, Apple still seems to be working on a solution that meets its own quality standards. There are no official technical details about the device yet, but some aspects are likely:

Apple could develop a foldable iPhone that can transform from a compact smartphone into a larger display – similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold.
iOS would have to be adapted for such a device, as foldable displays require a flexible user interface.
One of the biggest challenges for Apple will be the longevity of the folding mechanism, as many current foldable smartphones show signs of wear after several years.

The fact that Apple has waited so long to introduce a foldable iPhone could indicate that the company wants to showcase more mature technology. However, it remains to be seen whether Apple can appeal to a broad range of buyers with the device or whether it will initially be just an expensive niche product.

Another new iPhone design

Even more interesting is the information that Apple is planning another new iPhone design for 2026 in addition to the foldable model. Gurman did not give exact details, but there are a few possible explanations for what Apple could be planning. One possibility is that Apple is developing an iPhone that does away with physical buttons altogether. In the past, there have been reports of capacitive buttons or an iPhone that relies exclusively on gesture control. Another conceivable scenario is an iPhone with a completely new display technology. Apple could be working on an edge-to-edge iPhone with the front camera and Face ID hidden under the display. This would make the notch or the Dynamic Island superfluous and create a completely new look. The question also remains whether this new design is intended for an existing iPhone model or whether Apple is introducing a completely new product line. If the iPhone 18 is to get the new design, it would mean a major change in model strategy, as the base model has usually had the most conservative design decisions so far.

When will Apple release a foldable iPhone, iPad & MacBook?

2026: What does this mean for the future of the iPhone?

With the plans for 2026, Apple seems to be preparing bigger changes in the iPhone series than has been the case in recent years. The foldable iPhone could mean the entry into a new class of device, while the second new design still leaves it completely open which direction Apple will take. The coming years will show what concrete impact these developments will have. There will be a noticeable design change as early as 2025 with the iPhone 17 Air, and if Gurman's report is correct, Apple will push this trend even further in the following years. (Photo by Unsplash+ / Shubham Dhage)