Between 2026 and 2028, Apple is expected to launch a series of groundbreaking innovations that will reshape the concept of mobile design. The company aims to redefine the smartphone industry with three radically different iPhone models.

iPhone Fold: Apple’s entry into the foldable era

According to a series of consistent and credible leaks, Apple is preparing to unveil its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Fold, in 2026. This will kick off a three-year streak of historic design transformations for the iPhone.

Citing OLED market reports, the tech site Naver (via the well-known leaker Yeux1122) revealed that Apple plans to release one new iPhone form factor each year from 2026 to 2028.

The iPhone Fold will serve as the opening act  -  a book-style foldable device using a flexible LTPO+ OLED display roughly the size of an iPad Mini.

Yeux1122 stated that this is not just a new hardware product but a strategic move by Apple into the “foldable device era,” merging the iPhone and iPad experience into one seamless mobile device.

Though rumors about a foldable iPhone have circulated for years, the volume and consistency of leaks in 2025 strongly indicate that a launch in 2026 is likely.

The president of Samsung Display  -  Apple’s main display supplier  -  has even “virtually confirmed” the existence of the device.

Current reports suggest the iPhone Fold will feature a 7.76-inch internal display and a 5.49-inch external display, with a book-style hinge. However, Apple is reportedly still facing technical challenges with the hinge mechanism, which could delay the release to 2027.

The bezel-less iPhone: Celebrating 20 years of design evolution

Following the iPhone Fold, Apple plans to release a completely bezel-less iPhone in 2027, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone.

This model is expected to feature four-edge curved OLED and a special Crater Diffusion Layer to ensure uniform brightness across curved corners.

What makes this iPhone truly revolutionary is the complete integration of Face ID and the front-facing camera under the display, eliminating all visible notches and punch holes for a truly uninterrupted viewing experience.

This model is being described as a "symbol of pure visual beauty" and could represent Apple’s most aesthetically ambitious product yet.

However, achieving a truly bezel-less iPhone poses immense technical challenges. Apple is collaborating with long-standing partners Samsung Display and LG Display to develop new ultra-thin film encapsulation techniques that can protect the OLED panel while preserving visual clarity.

They are also working on a new type of adhesive to fix curved screens securely without causing optical distortion at side angles.

The increased use of glass also raises the risk of breakage, and under-display camera technology still requires improvements to maintain high-quality imaging.

iPhone Flip: Apple's second chapter in foldable innovation

In 2028, Apple is expected to introduce its second foldable device  -  the iPhone Flip. This model will adopt a clamshell design similar to the Galaxy Z Flip, prioritizing compactness and youth appeal.

While the iPhone Fold blends tablet and phone functionality, the iPhone Flip will focus on lightweight convenience. It is said to feature a small external display for notifications, battery status, and AI-powered shortcuts for quick access without unfolding the device.

Apple reportedly views this as the second experimental step in its broader strategy to diversify iPhone form factors, especially in the growing market segment of compact foldables, popular among younger and fashion-conscious users.

Though Yeux1122  -  the source of these leaks  -  is generally considered more reliable than anonymous accounts, the user primarily aggregates information from various sources. As such, long-term accuracy remains to be verified.

Still, these reports align with Apple’s long-running interest in next-generation display technologies, such as ultra-thin OLED, flexible hinges, and under-display sensors  -  all pointing toward a “limitless future” for iPhone design.

Three explosive design years: Reshaping the future of iPhone

If the leaks are accurate, 2026–2028 will mark an unprecedented period in iPhone history:

2026: iPhone Fold – Apple’s first foldable device.
2027: Bezel-less iPhone – A symbolic design celebrating 20 years.
2028: iPhone Flip – A stylish, compact foldable for younger users.

Three years, three unique form factors  -  all part of Apple’s broader vision to move beyond the traditional “rectangle” smartphone. The company appears ready to blur the boundaries between smartphones, tablets, and foldables.

If this trajectory holds, Apple won’t just launch new iPhones. It will redefine what “mobile design” means for the entire industry.

Hai Phong