Introduction
Although the tech world is still eagerly awaiting the launch of Apple’s first foldable device, the American tech giant is working diligently and at a very rapid pace toward the future to secure its position in this new category. Recent and reliable reports indicate that Apple is already developing the third generation of foldable iPhones in preparation for a release as early as 2028. According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman in his regular newsletter, the tech company has mapped out a clear roadmap that includes developing at least three consecutive generations of this innovative device, confirming its unwavering strategic confidence in the success of foldable phones and devices as an indispensable future technological standard in the modern communications industry.
- Long-term planning for three consecutive generations of foldable phones
- Fall keynote details and expected smart device lineup
- Advanced accessories and future connectivity-supporting computers
- Competitive landscape and Apple’s position in the foldable device market
- FAQs
Long-term planning for three consecutive generations of foldable phones
Apple’s first foldable phone is expected to be named the iPhone Ultra, and tech circles strongly rumor that it will be officially launched next September alongside the usual iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max flagship models. Intensive technical leaks indicate that the anticipated new device will feature a 7.8-inch flexible, foldable inner display, in addition to a 5.5-inch outer cover display, delivering an ultra-slim and innovative design that meets the aspirations of users seeking absolute elegance and practicality. Interestingly, the device will rely on fingerprint sensor technology instead of the usual facial recognition technology, and will be equipped with the ultra-fast A20 processing chip, alongside Apple’s own C2 modem chip, with economic forecasts suggesting its price will hover around or slightly exceed the $2,000 mark.
As for the second generation of this innovative device, it has already received official and final approval for development and production from senior management, and is slated to debut in the fall of 2027, coinciding festively with Apple’s celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the launch of the first iPhone, which changed the course of tech history forever. Moving on to the newer third generation mentioned by Gurman in his investigative report, it is expected to deliver tangible improvements including slightly larger display screens, both inside and out, compared to its predecessors. The tech site AppleInsider explained that this type of long-term planning is standard and routine for a massive company like Apple, as radical redesigns require years of preparation, engineering development, and rigorous testing, and it is customary to develop two or three future generations simultaneously to ensure absolute compatibility and superior quality.
Fall keynote details and expected smart device lineup
Strong and confident expectations indicate that the all-new iPhone Ultra will be unveiled during a major and exceptional event held on Wednesday, September 9, according to the prestigious Forbes magazine. The magazine based its deep analysis on a fixed historical fact that Apple has never organized an event dedicated to launching the iPhone series on the day immediately following the American Labor Day holiday. Based on this carefully considered timeline, pre-orders for the new device are expected to open on September 11, with devices officially hitting the market and retail stores for direct sale by September 18, making the autumn month packed with major tech launches that will create global market buzz.
Advanced accessories and future connectivity-supporting computers
Alongside the launch of foldable phones, reliable reports indicate that Apple is also intensively developing an all-new generation of AirPods wireless earbuds equipped with built-in smart cameras, which may be unveiled during the same expected September event. These innovative earbuds will use precise infrared cameras to provide the Siri voice assistant with advanced and detailed visual context about the user’s surrounding environment, enhancing the voice interaction experience and making it smarter and more interactive. Hidden code signals confirming the development of this feature have already been spotted within the code of the company’s upcoming operating system beta. Furthermore, strong rumors in specialized tech circles point to the company’s intention to launch a new flagship laptop named the MacBook Ultra in early 2027, which is expected to feature an advanced touchscreen display, support built-in cellular internet connectivity at high speeds, and be equipped with the cutting-edge M5 series future super-chips to ensure unmatched performance.
Competitive landscape and Apple’s position in the foldable device market
Apple’s entry into the foldable phone market comes a bit late, following years after its Korean rival Samsung established the rules of this new category and comfortably led global sales. However, this carefully considered timing puts Apple in an exceptionally strong strategic position to maximize benefits from growing consumer interest and technology maturation in this category, especially in the massive US market, where foldable phone adoption still lags noticeably compared to hyper-active Asian markets that adopt technologies at lightning speed. Should the first-generation iPhone Ultra fail to achieve its expected sales or financial performance, AppleInsider clearly pointed out that the negative financial impact would be minimal enough to allow Apple to quietly phase out this product line without incurring catastrophic financial losses that could impact its stability as the world’s largest technology and financial company.
FAQs
Question: When is Apple’s first foldable iPhone expected to launch in the markets?
Answer: Reports indicate that the first release, to be known as the iPhone Ultra, will be unveiled at the company’s fall conference next September, to be released for sale at a price close to $2,000.
Question: What are the most prominent features and specifications expected in the first-generation foldable phone?
Answer: It will include a 7.8-inch flexible inner screen and a 5.5-inch outer screen, and will use fingerprint recognition technology instead of facial recognition, featuring an advanced A20 processor and an upgraded modem chip.
Question: Will Apple launch other innovative devices soon alongside foldable phones?
Answer: Yes, it is expected to unveil AirPods equipped with built-in infrared cameras to support the voice assistant, and plans to launch a touchscreen laptop with cellular connectivity in 2027.
Question: How is Apple management handling the risks of late competition in the foldable phone market?
Answer: Apple relies on its immense financial strength and waiting for technology to mature. In the event of a first-generation commercial misstep, the financial impact would be minimal, and the company could halt production without any major impactful losses.
Question: What is the main change expected in screen sizes for the third generation of foldable iPhones?
Answer: Strong leaks indicate that the third generation, scheduled for early release by 2028, will come with slightly larger display screens both in the flexible inner screen and the outer screen compared to preceding generations.
