How Apple’s rumoured folding iPhone will shape app development

The whispers of Apple experimenting with foldables have been around for years, but recent reports suggest 2026 could finally be the year. Analysts anticipate a September 2026 reveal, possibly as part of the iPhone 18 lineup alongside the Pro and Pro Max.

The design is expected to be a book-style foldable, resembling Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. Early reports indicate a crease-free inner display measuring around 7.5–7.8 inches when unfolded, paired with a smaller 5.5-inch outer display for quick tasks. The crease-free screen is a highlight, solving one of the biggest pain points in current foldables.

Other speculated features include:

• A titanium chassis for durability
• A hinge combining titanium and stainless steel
• A triple-camera system for premium photography
• Price points between $2,000 and $2,500

Production challenges, like the complexity of the hinge mechanism, could push the launch into 2027, but most sources still point to 2026. Apple is reportedly studying competitors’ devices, including OPPO foldables, and may shift mass production to India after initial testing in Taiwan.

Social media is already buzzing with leaks, from videos showing potential hinge mechanics to ultra-thin prototype designs. Excitement is building around a foldable that’s premium but more accessible than the current crop of devices.

To visualise this, here's a concept render of what the iPhone Fold might look like:

Image source

For developers, foldables aren’t just another screen, they’re a whole new canvas. Traditional apps are built for fixed dimensions, but the iPhone Fold will demand adaptive, fluid experiences. Here’s how we’re thinking about it:

Apps will need to handle dynamic screen sizes, from the compact 5.5-inch folded view for one-handed tasks to the expansive 7.8-inch unfolded canvas for multitasking. Responsive layouts using SwiftUI or UIKit will be essential.

Continuity is critical. Users expect content to flow seamlessly as the device unfolds. A reading app, for instance, might show a single column folded, then split into dual panes unfolded, unlocking productivity and new ways to engage.

Foldables open up unique gestures. Folding could trigger split-screen modes; unfolding could reveal hidden tools or shortcuts. Apple will likely introduce fold-specific APIs, similar to Android’s FoldingDisplayFeature, letting developers detect and adapt to fold states.

Testing edge cases will be key. Animations during folding and unfolding need to be smooth, any jank can quickly break the user experience.

The large inner display screams for multitasking. Think side-by-side apps, drag-and-drop between windows, and continuity across folds. Supporting Stage Manager-like features on iOS could unlock new possibilities for productivity apps, games, or media experiences.

Emulators will only get you so far. Physical foldable devices (or sophisticated simulators) will be crucial for ensuring apps behave correctly. Early adopter beta testing will help identify quirks and performance pitfalls.

Performance optimisation will also matter. The crease-free display could enable higher refresh rates, but apps will need to handle shifting aspect ratios without wasting space or resources.

New AR experiences could unfold into immersive views. Creative apps might use the hinge as an interactive element. For us, this is an opportunity to collaborate with clients to craft fold-optimised experiences that engage users in ways fixed devices can’t.

If Apple delivers, the iPhone Fold could accelerate foldable adoption, with analysts projecting 30% market growth once Apple enters the space. For us at The Distance, it’s a reminder to stay agile: refining design pipelines, experimenting with prototypes, and learning new tools.

Whether the iPhone Fold launches in 2026 or later, flexible devices will shape the next era of mobile apps. And we’re ready to fold these changes into our work, creating experiences that aren’t just functional - they’re remarkable.