Apple Plans Foldable, Thinner iPhones for Future Release

Apple is reportedly developing both foldable and thinner iPhone models, signaling a potential shift in design strategy.

These new models aim to appeal to different market segments, with the thinner iPhone targeting consumers seeking a more affordable option and the foldable iPhone offering a larger display experience. The move comes as Apple seeks to reignite growth and introduce more groundbreaking updates to its iPhone lineup.

This could mark a significant transformation for the iPhone since its original debut.

Top 5 Key Insights:

Thinner iPhone 17 Air: The iPhone 17 Air, expected in 2025, is rumored to be exceptionally thin, measuring around 5.5mm. This would make it the thinnest iPhone to date, even slimmer than the iPhone 6. To achieve this sleekness and maintain a lower price point, Apple may scale back on some features, such as using a single 48MP rear camera instead of a triple-camera system.

Foldable iPhone in Development: Apple is reportedly working on a foldable iPhone, potentially launching in late 2026 or early 2027. This device is expected to have a larger display than the iPhone 16 Pro Max when unfolded, offering a new form factor and user experience. The project is said to be in the New Product Introduction (NPI) stage at Foxconn, Apple's manufacturing partner.

Targeting Different Markets: The thinner iPhone is designed to appeal to consumers who want a sleek-looking phone at a lower price, while the foldable iPhone aims to attract users seeking a larger screen and enhanced multitasking capabilities. This dual approach allows Apple to cater to a broader range of customer preferences and needs.

The thinner model could help Apple regain market share by offering a more accessible entry point into the iPhone ecosystem.

Design and Feature Trade-offs: To achieve the desired thinness in the iPhone 17 Air, Apple may need to make some design and feature trade-offs. This could include omitting Face ID in favor of Touch ID embedded in the power button and using a simpler camera system. These decisions reflect Apple's focus on balancing aesthetics, functionality, and cost.

Challenges and Innovations: Developing a foldable iPhone presents several technical challenges, including perfecting the hinge mechanism and ensuring the durability of the foldable display. Apple has experimented with various designs, including outward-folding screens, but is now favoring an inward-folding design. Overcoming these challenges will be crucial for Apple to deliver a high-quality and reliable foldable iPhone.

Expert Insight:

Mark Gurman, Bloomberg: "Apple is looking into launching the foldable iPhone, which might come in 2026 'at the earliest.'"

Jeff Pu, Haitong International Securities: "The foldable phones currently available aren't thin, light or energy-efficient enough to meet Apple's standards, which is why Apple has been slower to tackle this market."

Wrap-up:

Apple's exploration of foldable and thinner iPhones demonstrates a commitment to innovation and adapting to evolving consumer demands.

These potential new designs could revitalize the iPhone lineup and attract new customers.

As Apple navigates the challenges of bringing these devices to market, the industry will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the future of mobile technology. The success of these ventures hinges on Apple's ability to balance cutting-edge features with practical design considerations.

Author Bio:

Rohan Desai has dedicated 10 years to analyzing business trends, technological innovations, and international trade dynamics. His expertise spans from startup ecosystems to global economic policy.

Citations: Apple reportedly has foldable and thinner iPhone models in the pipeline