Apple’s first foldable may not be a Galaxy Z Flip rival after all

Apple is unlikely to release a foldable phone until 2026, according to data analysts.

Initial rumours suggested that Apple would launch a Galaxy Z Flip rival, however, a reputable display analyst is now claiming the Apple foldable will in fact be a competitor for the Galaxy Z Fold, says Android Authority.

When asked about the form factor of Apple's 2026 foldable, display analyst Ross Young replied with "Fold." This suggests that the rumored Galaxy Z Flip rival may not launch that year after all. Instead, the iPhone maker will seemingly launch a device that folds on a vertically-positioned hinge during 2026's second half.

If Apple opts for Galaxy Z Flip competitor, it will likely run an optimized version of iOS, similar to the one fueling existing iPhones. On the other hand, a Galaxy Z Fold-like device may run an iteration of iPadOS that takes advantage of the larger screen and supports more advanced multitasking features. For reference, iPhones still don't support multi-window views, so running the same restrictive iOS on a Fold rival would be nonsensical.

Given how Apple generally operates, it's challenging to predict what foldable, if any, will launch in 2026. After all, the company has reportedly faced some challenges in developing a durable product that meets its high standards. So, it may change its plans during the next two years or axe them altogether.