A newly published report from a well-known industry analyst is offering one of the clearest glimpses yet into Apple’s product roadmap over the next few years. It suggests Apple is finally preparing to dive into the foldable device market, but in its own deliberate style. It also lays out how the company intends to evolve the Vision Pro headset line.
If the report is accurate, Apple has mapped out a sequence that starts with a foldable iPhone, later followed by a foldable iPad. Alongside that, the Vision Pro family will not remain a single ultra-premium device but will branch out into updated and more affordable models, gradually making spatial computing more mainstream.
Key Takeaways
- A foldable iPhone is expected in 2026, part of the iPhone 18 lineup.
- Apple has raised its sales forecast for the foldable iPhone, showing strong confidence in demand.
- A foldable iPad is also planned, likely arriving in 2028.
- A refreshed Vision Pro model is on track for 2025, with a new, cheaper Vision Air headset set for 2027.
- Apple is also said to be working on smart glasses, targeted for 2027, which will not include a display.
The Foldable iPhone is Coming
Talk of a foldable iPhone has floated around for years, but this report finally pins down a timeline. Apple is apparently aiming to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026 as part of the iPhone 18 series. Unlike Samsung, which has iterated through multiple foldable generations already, Apple seems to be sticking to its usual playbook: watch the market carefully, learn from competitors’ missteps, and then debut a version that feels more polished and reliable.
Confidence inside the company appears to be high. Apple has reportedly increased its shipment forecasts, predicting between 8 and 10 million foldable iPhones in 2026, with potential to climb as high as 20 to 25 million the following year. That is a bold number, especially for a product category still considered niche.
The key lies in the hardware. Apple is rumored to be working with Corning on ultra-thin cover glass technology, which would allow for a screen that is both flexible and durable. That detail alone could help solve some of the biggest complaints about foldables today, particularly around screen creasing and fragility.
The Vision Pro Roadmap
The Vision Pro, Apple’s ambitious entry into mixed reality, has so far been positioned as a premium device priced at $3,499 in the US and mostly aimed at developers and early adopters. But Apple’s roadmap shows this will not remain a one-off luxury product.
A refresh of the current model is expected in late 2025. While not a full-blown sequel, this version is likely to bring the M5 chip and tweaks to the design that should make the headset more comfortable to wear.
Then comes a more important milestone. In 2027, Apple is reportedly planning to launch the Vision Air. This new model is described as significantly lighter and far less expensive, potentially priced around $1,750. That move could dramatically expand the Vision lineup’s audience, opening the door to everyday consumers the way the iPhone did after its early years.
But Apple’s ambitions do not stop at headsets. The report also mentions smart glasses in development, with a tentative release in 2027. Unlike many AR glasses concepts, these will not carry a display. Instead, they are meant to function as an extension of the iPhone, providing audio features, cameras, video recording, and possibly AI-driven tools. If successful, they could one day chip away at the need for certain smartphone functions or even replace accessories like wireless earbuds.
FAQs
Q1: What is the release date for the foldable iPhone?
A: The foldable iPhone is expected to be released in 2026, as part of the iPhone 18 series.
Q2: What is spatial computing?
A: Spatial computing is a term used to describe a new way of interacting with digital content that blends it with the physical world. It uses devices like the Apple Vision Pro to place apps and information around you in a 3D space, instead of on a flat screen.
Q3: Will the foldable iPhone have a visible crease?
A: Apple is reportedly working with suppliers to create an ultra-thin cover glass that will reduce the visibility of the screen crease, a common issue in other foldable phones.
Q4: Is Apple working on a foldable iPad?
A: Yes, a larger foldable device, likely a foldable iPad, is in the works with a launch timeline projected for 2028.
Q5: How will the Vision Air be different from the Vision Pro?
A: The Vision Air is expected to be a lighter, more affordable version of the Vision Pro. It will likely use a different processor and have fewer sensors to achieve its lower price point.
