according to multiple sources, although apple’s first foldable-screen iphone is still slated for release by the end of this year, its product roadmap has already been rapidly extended to the next generation—the second‑generation model is expected to launch in 2027, just about 12 months after the first generation hits the market, highlighting apple’s strategic resolve and iterative pace in this category.
this model carries the internal code name v78 and is highly likely to debut alongside the iphone’s 20th‑anniversary edition. this isn’t a last‑minute upgrade; rather, it’s a clear signal that apple has integrated foldable devices into its core product lineup: they’re no longer viewed as mere technological novelties but as a long‑term track requiring sustained investment over the next five to ten years.
in fact, apple has consistently followed a “late mover, early leader” strategy in the foldable‑screen space. while companies like samsung, google, honor, and oppo have already gone through multiple form‑factor iterations—from vertically folding small screens to horizontal book‑style designs and even wide‑format layouts approaching tablet dimensions—apple remains quietly refining its hardware‑software integration approach. the latest leaked information points to a model that prioritizes practicality and ecosystem integration: an outer display of approximately 5.5 inches, paired with an inner screen measuring 7.8 inches and adopting a 4:3 golden ratio, delivering a visual experience akin to the ipad mini’s 8.3‑inch display while balancing one‑handed grip and multitasking efficiency. meanwhile, the ios system layer has begun deep adaptation efforts, encouraging developers to optimize split‑screen, windowed, and dynamic layout capabilities.
notably, industry trends are also shifting subtly. samsung is reportedly planning to restructure its product lineup, with the rumored galaxy z fold 8 wide potentially replacing the current slim‑profile design as the mainstream specification, while the existing version will be repositioned as the high‑end sub‑model, the z fold 8 ultra. this suggests that wide‑screen foldables are transitioning from niche experiments toward mainstream acceptance, and apple’s entry could accelerate the final establishment of this paradigm.
