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Apple is reportedly developing a foldable iPhone for the long term, with plans for at least three generations of the device already mapped out.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s third-generation foldable model could arrive as early as 2028. The report comes even before the company’s first foldable iPhone has officially reached customers.
The reported long-term development suggests Apple is treating the foldable form factor as a product category that could evolve across several generations.
Three Generations Reportedly in Development
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to launch in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The first model could reportedly carry the iPhone Ultra name. It is expected to feature a 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.5-inch cover display, along with an ultra-thin design.
Other reported specifications include Touch ID instead of Face ID, an A20 chip and Apple’s C2 modem.
The device could reportedly be priced at around $2,000 or more, although Apple has not officially confirmed its pricing or specifications.
| Generation | Expected timing | Reported information |
| First | September 2026 | 7.8-inch inner and 5.5-inch cover displays |
| Second | Autumn 2027 | Development reportedly approved |
| Third | As early as 2028 | Slightly larger displays |
The second-generation model has reportedly received development approval for autumn 2027, potentially arriving alongside Apple’s 20th-anniversary iPhone.
According to Gurman’s report, the third-generation device would feature slightly larger displays on both the inside and outside compared with its predecessors.
September Could Mark Apple’s Foldable Debut
The first foldable iPhone is expected to be unveiled at an Apple keynote on September 9, according to reports cited in the news article.
Pre-orders are reportedly expected to begin on September 11, with sales potentially starting on September 18.
If those reported dates are accurate, Apple’s first foldable smartphone would arrive alongside its next-generation premium iPhone models.
The launch could represent a major expansion of Apple’s smartphone lineup, although the company has yet to officially confirm the reported foldable device.
Apple’s Broader Ultra Plans
The foldable iPhone is reportedly part of a wider group of Ultra products that Apple is developing.
The company is reportedly working on camera-equipped AirPods that could potentially debut at the same September event. The earbuds are expected to use infrared cameras to give Siri visual information about the user’s surroundings.
References to the technology have reportedly been discovered in an iOS 27 beta.
Apple is also rumored to be developing a MacBook Ultra featuring an OLED touchscreen, cellular connectivity and M5-series chips. That device is reportedly targeted for early 2027.
Apple Enters an Established Foldable Market
Apple would enter the foldable smartphone market years after Samsung established its position in the category.
However, the timing could still give Apple an opportunity to benefit from increasing consumer interest in foldable devices. The news article notes that foldable adoption has been stronger in Asian markets than in the United States.
The performance of Apple’s first foldable iPhone could therefore influence the company’s future plans.
If the device performs poorly, AppleInsider reported that Apple could potentially discontinue the line without suffering a substantial financial loss.
What Could Change With the Third Generation?
Details about the third-generation foldable iPhone remain limited.
Gurman’s report indicates that the device could feature somewhat larger internal and external displays than earlier versions. Beyond that, there are few confirmed details about its design, specifications or pricing.
Planning multiple generations years ahead is not unusual for a company such as Apple. Major hardware projects require significant development time, meaning several generations can be planned simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
When could the first foldable iPhone launch?
The first foldable iPhone is expected to launch in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
What screen sizes are expected?
Reports suggest a 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.5-inch cover display for the first model.
When could the third-generation foldable iPhone arrive?
The third-generation model could reportedly arrive as early as 2028.
Is the second generation planned for 2027?
The second-generation device has reportedly received development approval for autumn 2027.
Are these specifications confirmed?
No. The reported specifications, pricing and future-generation plans have not been officially confirmed by Apple.
Conclusion
Apple is reportedly planning well beyond its first foldable iPhone, with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman saying the company has already mapped out at least three generations.
The first model is expected in September 2026, followed by a reported second generation in 2027 and potentially a third in 2028. While many details remain unconfirmed, the reported development timeline suggests Apple could view foldable smartphones as a long-term product category.
The first model’s reception will ultimately provide the clearest indication of whether Apple’s foldable strategy becomes a major part of its future iPhone lineup.