The iPhone Fold has yet to reach buyers, yet Apple is reportedly already developing a third-generation foldable that could arrive as early as 2028. The company appears intent on establishing a long-term roadmap for the device well before its debut.
Apple is expected to launch the much-discussed iPhone Fold this autumn, as part of its usual September iPhone unveilings. Despite the fact that not a single unit of the foldable has yet been sold, the company is said to be planning several successors.
A roadmap stretching to 2028
Apple is not only preparing a second-generation release for 2027, but is also working on a third-generation model that could arrive as soon as 2028. That approach points to a sustained commitment to the foldable category rather than a one-off experiment.
Planning multiple generations ahead is a familiar strategy for Apple, which typically maps out its hardware roadmap years in advance. Doing so allows the company to refine designs, components and manufacturing over successive releases, particularly for an emerging form factor where each iteration can bring notable improvements.
What to expect from the first-generation model
The first-generation iPhone Fold is anticipated to feature during Apple’s September launch window, following the pattern set by previous iPhone introductions. As with any new product line, the initial release is likely to serve as the foundation for the refinements expected in the 2027 and 2028 models.
The prospect of a third-generation device this early in the product’s life underlines how significant the foldable segment has become for Apple. With a second-generation model reportedly slated for 2027 and a third targeted for 2028, the company is signalling that the iPhone Fold is set to become a recurring part of its line-up rather than a limited release.
For now, the details surrounding these future models remain unconfirmed, and specifications for the second and third generations have not been detailed. What is clear is that Apple’s foldable ambitions extend well beyond the initial launch, with a multi-year plan already reported to be in motion. The first-generation iPhone Fold is expected to arrive during Apple’s autumn 2026 launch season, with the 2027 and 2028 releases forming the next stages of the roadmap.
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Image: appleinsider.com
