In recent years, the folding screen mobile phone market has shown a vigorous development trend, and major manufacturers have laid out in an attempt to occupy a place in this emerging field. Apple, finally, has to keep up with this trend. According to multiple sources, the research and development of Apple's folding screen iPhone is accelerating, and it is expected to meet consumers in 2026, which will undoubtedly inject new vitality into the folding screen mobile phone market and trigger profound changes in the industry.
R&D acceleration: technological breakthroughs and innovations in Apple's folding screen iPhone
Apple has always been known for its extreme pursuit of product design and technological innovation. In the development process of the folding screen iPhone, Apple also showed its consistent high standards and strict requirements. According to people familiar with the matter, Apple's first folding screen iPhone is expected to be released in the fall or end of 2026, with a large screen folding design similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold, with a screen size of 12 inches when unfolded, 6.1 inches after folding, 4.6mm thick when unfolded, and 9.2mm after folding, and may adapt to the interactive logic of iPad OS after unfolding. This design can not only meet the user's pursuit of a large screen, but also maintain good portability in the folded state.
In terms of screen technology, Apple has chosen to partner with Lens Technology to adopt the ultra-thin glass (UTG) it provides. Lens Technology has obvious advantages in UTG mass production and financial strength, especially in glass strengthening, side crack reduction after cutting, and glass etching technology. Apple's UTG design is focused on thinning only the central part, so as to improve durability while maintaining the overall thickness. This innovative design solution not only improves the durability of the screen, but also provides a strong guarantee for the aesthetics and functionality of the device.
In addition, Apple has also made important breakthroughs in hinge technology. Its self-developed hinge technology costs up to $110, and the goal is to achieve "no inductive crease". This technological breakthrough will effectively solve the crease problem in the folding process of folding screen mobile phones and improve the user's experience.
Figure: Apple's foldable iPhone R&D is accelerating, or it will be launched in 2026
Supply chain layout: In-depth cooperation between Lens Technology and Corning
In terms of supply chain layout, Apple has chosen to cooperate with companies such as Lens Technology and Corning. Lens Technology, a leading glass manufacturer in China, will supply UTG to Apple, which is expected to receive about 70% of the order. Corning will provide raw materials for Lens Technology, and the cooperation between the two parties will provide a strong guarantee for the production of Apple's folding screen iPhone. Lens Technology plans to expand the UTG production line in 2025 to meet Apple's demand for the launch of its first foldable device in the second half of 2026.
In addition to Lens Technologies and Corning, South Korean companies Dowoo Insys and UTI may also become sub-suppliers to Apple. Dowoo Insys was granted two patents for UTG central thinning technology in October 2024, one of which has similarities with Apple's patent filed in the same period. In addition, Samsung Display may become the exclusive panel supplier for Apple's first foldable screen iPhone. This diversified supply chain layout will help Apple reduce risks and ensure a stable supply of products.
Market prospects: the potential impact and challenges of folding screen iPhone
The launch of Apple's foldable iPhone is expected to have a profound impact on the market. It is predicted that the sales of folding screen iPhones will be 800-10 million units in 2026 and 20 million units in 2027. This sales forecast shows that the market has high expectations for Apple's folding screen iPhone. Apple's entry into the game will not only bring more choices to consumers, but also promote the development of the entire folding screen mobile phone market.
However, Apple's foldable iPhone also faces some challenges. First of all, the production cost of folding screen phones is higher, which may lead to their relatively high selling price, which will affect their market popularity. Secondly, the durability and reliability of foldable phones are still the focus of consumer attention, and Apple needs to make more efforts in these areas to win the trust of consumers. In addition, the construction of the folding screen phone ecosystem is also an important challenge, and Apple needs to work with developers to provide more applications and services for the folding screen iPhone to improve its user experience.
Conclusion: The future outlook of Apple's folding screen iPhone
The acceleration of Apple's research and development of folding screen iPhone marks Apple's official entry into the folding screen mobile phone market. Through cooperation with Lens Technology, Corning and other companies, Apple has made important breakthroughs in supply chain and technology. Its innovative design scheme and diversified supply chain layout will bring new vitality to the folding screen mobile phone market.
However, Apple's foldable iPhone also faces some challenges and requires more efforts in terms of cost control, durability, and ecosystem building. In the future, with the continuous progress of technology and the continuous maturity of the market, Apple's folding screen iPhone is expected to occupy an important position in the folding screen mobile phone market, bringing more innovation and surprises to consumers.
