The foldable iPhone has not yet been released, but Apple is already making plans for its successor.
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Second-generation foldable iPhone could be set for 2027.
Apple’s initial foldable iPhone is anticipated to be unveiled later this year, but the company seems to be planning ahead for its second iteration. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is developing a second-generation foldable iPhone for a 2027 release, which is just a year after the first model is expected to be launched. This new device is reportedly referred to as V78 and will debut alongside the 20th-anniversary iPhone model. It appears that Apple is committing to foldables as a sustained product line rather than a temporary initiative.
The Cupertino company has spent years observing other smartphone manufacturers refine foldable technology. Brands like Samsung, Google, Honor, and Oppo have gone through several generations of designs, experimenting with various formats from narrow book-style devices to broader tablet-like shapes. Apple seems to have waited for the market to mature before making its own foray into this space.
Apple may have gained insights from Android’s foldable endeavors.
From recent leaks and prototype models, it is expected that Apple’s foldable iPhone will feature a relatively short and wide design, differing from the tall, narrow structure of earlier Samsung Galaxy Z Fold models. There are rumors suggesting it will come with a 5.5-inch cover display and a 7.8-inch inner panel with a 4:3 aspect ratio.
This layout resembles much of Apple’s iPad series and could facilitate a more intuitive and familiar experience for multitasking, reading, and running apps side by side. With an inner display size of 7.8 inches, it would closely rival the iPad mini’s 8.3-inch screen, potentially providing users with a tablet-like experience when unfolded. Apple seems to be actively preparing the software too, urging developers to adapt their apps to different screen sizes and formats.
Interestingly, Samsung might be coming to a similar realization. Rumors indicate that the company is planning a wider foldable design for next year’s lineup, with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide possibly becoming the standard edition. A taller variant might be launched as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra instead.
Whether Apple’s foldable strategy is successful remains uncertain, but it is clear that the company is not treating this device as a one-time experiment. The development of a second-generation model indicates that Apple expects the iPhone Ultra to become a permanent segment in the iPhone lineup, with sufficient demand to justify annual updates.
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The foldable iPhone has not yet been released, but Apple is already making plans for its successor.
Apple has spent several years steering clear of foldable devices while Android companies have been experimenting with them. Now, reports suggest that the company is working on a second-generation foldable iPhone even before the release of the first model.
