Apple is reportedly on track to release its much-anticipated iPhone Fold in 2026, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The foldable device will use ultra-thin glass (UTG), a component known for its complexity due to its sensitivity to micro-cracks and stress fatigue. General Interface Solution (GIS), in collaboration with Corning, is expected to supply the panels.
Apple has revised shipment forecasts upward, with an estimated 8 to 10 million units projected for 2026. By 2027, that figure could rise to 20 to 25 million units, showing the company’s confidence in the device’s appeal.
Folding iPad Still on the Horizon
While attention is fixed on the iPhone Fold, a folding iPad is also part of Apple’s long-term roadmap. Kuo suggests it could arrive in 2028, with modest shipments between 0.5 million and 1 million units. Other analysts, such as Ross Young and Mark Gurman, have speculated about 2027 or 2028 launches, though consensus leans toward a post-iPhone Fold debut.
Vision Air Targets Accessibility
Beyond foldables, Apple is preparing a lighter version of its Vision Pro headset. Dubbed the Vision Air, the device is expected to launch in 2027. The headset will be over 40% lighter and more than 50% cheaper than the Pro, making it more accessible to mainstream users.
GIS will also play a role here, serving as the exclusive supplier of pancake lenses for the Vision Air. Shipments could reach 1 million units in 2027, compared to fewer than 400,000 units for the current Vision Pro.
Apple’s Strategy Going Forward
The rumored timeline highlights Apple’s focus on diversifying its hardware lineup. By combining foldable devices with more affordable mixed-reality options, Apple is positioning itself to capture both premium and broader markets. While exact launch dates may shift, the strategy underlines Apple’s ambition to shape the future of mobile and immersive technology.
