Apple's foldable iPhone hasn't even been unveiled yet, and the roadmap already looks two generations ahead. The third generation is slated for release in 2028 and will feature larger displays on both screens. The report doesn't specify exact dimensions in inches, but it does reveal something about when it will be worth buying.
The first generation arrives in September, the second is in development, and now a third has surfaced in the news for the first time. Mark Gurman writes in his Bloomberg newsletter that Apple has a roadmap for the foldable design that extends two generations beyond the initial launch. Gurman is one of the most reliable sources on Apple's product planning; however, a date of 2028 describes a planning stage, not a finalized specification. How much is known about the first generation so far is summarized in the overview of all the rumors surrounding the iPhone Ultra.
Key Facts at a Glance
- The third generation of the foldable iPhone is not expected to be released until 2028 at the earliest.
- Both displays are said to be slightly larger than those of their predecessors, but the report does not specify any figures.
- The second generation is planned for 2027 and is expected to adopt the display of the first.
- This would mean the screen size would remain unchanged for two generations.
- It is the first report to ever describe a third edition.
A timetable spanning three generations
For the first time, a plan exists that extends beyond the successor model. The second generation already received the green light for development in June and is intended to continue using the first generation's display. Only the third generation would therefore receive new panels.
| Generation | Expected start | Displays |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone Ultra | September 2026 | 5.3 to 5.5 inches external, 7.7 to 7.8 inches internal |
| iPhone Ultra 2 | Autumn 2027 | expected to remain unchanged |
| iPhone Ultra 3 | earliest 2028 | Slightly larger on the outside and inside |
Reports differ regarding the dimensions of the first generation: one source cites 5.3 inches externally and 7.7 inches internally, while others mention 5.5 and 7.8 inches. Which figure is correct will only be clear upon presentation – and because the current report only mentions an increase without specifying figures, the jump for 2028 cannot be quantified.
The year 2027 will be tight
The release date for the second generation coincides with another project. The anniversary model, celebrating 20 years of the iPhone series, is scheduled for fall 2027 and, according to previous reports, will itself represent a design departure.
Apple has traditionally avoided presenting two high-profile devices at the same keynote. The fact that the second-generation foldable uses the same display as the first fits this strategy: it would be the smaller update, while the focus remains on the anniversary model.
What this means for the purchase
The sequence of events paints an unusually clear picture for a rumor of this scope. Anyone buying the first generation would get the same screen size as someone buying the second – the next noticeable leap wouldn't come until two years later.
We therefore expect that the higher price for the first edition will be more easily justified than is usually the case with a new product category. The argument to wait for the second generation, because it typically irons out the teething problems, remains valid. The usual second argument – more screen for the same money – is no longer valid under this timeline.
In addition, availability is a factor: Limited quantities are expected at launch, and regular sales are not scheduled to begin until the fourth quarter. Anyone in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland wanting to get their hands on one at launch will likely have to pre-order on the designated day.
Apple plans to make the foldable format a permanent solution
The real significance of the announcement lies less in the display dimensions than in the fact that it exists at all. A roadmap to 2028 describes not an experiment, but a fixed component in the portfolio – consistent with forecasts that Apple could capture around a quarter of the foldable device market in the medium term, and that the overall market is expected to grow by double digits. (Image: Apfelpatient)
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