Analyst hints Apple could first launch a book-style foldable device

The foldable smartphone market has come a long way. From the book-style Galaxy Z Fold 6 to flip phones like the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and others, we have seen it all. These are only a few examples, though. This year, the foldable market reached new heights with the launch of the first tri-fold smartphone, the Huawei Mate XT. Now, a popular display analyst hints that Apple’s first foldable might embrace the book-style form factor.

A popular display analyst hints Apple could first laappleand a book-style foldable device

Apple, being one of the market leaders, has yet to debut a foldable phone. Although there is less news around it, previous rumors hinted that it would launch a Galaxy Z Flip rival in 2026. As it turns out, that might not be the case.

Yesterday, renowned display analyst Ross Young shared a press release by DSCC on X. The said press release details everything about the future of the foldable and rollable/slidable market. As one would do, Young also asked his followers to drop questions related to the topic.

No wonder there were multiple questions related to Apple’s plans for foldables and its launch time frame. But, one specific question by an X user (@mikebbroyles) caught everyone’s eye. The user asked in which form factor Apple would launch its first foldable device. In response, Young replied “Fold” to ... thread.

The first Apple foldable device might utilize iPadOS

Therefore, it’s safe to assume that Apple could be targeting to first land a book-style foldable device during the second half of 2026. It also means that the future flip phones from other brands may not have an Apple-made rival to compete against, at least in that year.

If the tech giant goes ahead with a book-style foldable device, it’ll likely use iPadOS to offer smooth software and a multi-tasking experience on a larger display. On the other hand, iOS might be the first choice for a flip phone if Apple chooses that route. Only time will tell if we’ll see anything as such in 2026 since nothing is official for now.