Apple is planning to release a new iPhone form factor annually for the next three years, breaking from its traditional design cycle. According to reports from Korean blog yeux1122 on Naver, the company will experiment with horizontal foldable, zero-bezel anniversary edition, and vertical flip designs between 2026 and 2028—marking an unprecedented streak of innovation.
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New iPhone Form Factor Coming Till 2028
The strategy represents a significant departure from Apple’s tick-tock design philosophy where the company typically reuses designs for multiple generations with minor iterations. This aggressive innovation push aims to combat smartphone market plateaus and address criticism about Apple lacking fresh ideas.
Three-Year Roadmap Overview
| Year | Form Factor | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Horizontal Foldable | iPad mini-sized display, under-display camera/Face ID |
| 2027 | 20th Anniversary | Zero-bezel design, glass and metal construction |
| 2028 | Vertical Flip | Clamshell design, external notification display |
2026: The Book-Style Foldable iPhone
Apple’s first foldable reportedly adopts a book-style design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold. It features a flexible LTPO+ OLED display that unfurls to approximately iPad mini size, with under-display camera and Face ID array technology for a seamless viewing experience.
The company continues contending with complexities around the hinge mechanism and display panels, partnering with Samsung Display for production. Mizuho analysts report Apple has scaled back initial display panel production from 13 million units to 9 million units, suggesting cautious market entry.
2027: Zero-Bezel Anniversary iPhone
The 20th anniversary model—potentially named iPhone 20 or iPhone XX—will feature a bezel-less display with OLED bending around all four edges. Reports describe a “flat candy bar” shape utilizing full under-display technology and a crater-shaped light diffusion layer for improved optical performance.
This design marks a notable departure from the flat-edged aesthetic introduced with iPhone 12, potentially incorporating curved edges that blend seamlessly with materials. The anniversary edition echoes the groundbreaking approach Apple took with iPhone X’s design transformation.
2028: Vertical Flip Clamshell
The third year brings a vertical folding iPhone with clamshell-like design featuring an external display for notifications. Reports suggest curves on all four edges around the hinge so the crease blends seamlessly, addressing one of the biggest complaints with current foldable phones.
This compact form factor targets style-conscious consumers and represents Apple’s answer to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series, which has gained popularity among users seeking pocketable yet full-featured smartphones.
Why Now?
With disappointing iPhone Air demand causing production cutbacks, Apple likely feels pressure to deliver breakthrough hardware that reignites upgrade cycles. Smartphone technology has plateaued—performance increases have slowed, and camera improvements beyond megapixel counts remain incremental.
The traditional iPhone lineup will continue alongside these experimental form factors, meaning users who prefer classic designs won’t be forced into new categories. Each year’s experimental model targets different market segments while maintaining Apple’s core product line.
For updates on Apple’s iPhone roadmap and smartphone innovation trends, monitor official announcements as these ambitious projects progress from development to market reality.
FAQs
Will Apple release a foldable iPhone in 2026?
Reports suggest Apple will launch a horizontal book-style foldable iPhone in 2026 with iPad mini-sized display and under-display camera technology.
Does this mean Apple is discontinuing regular iPhones?
No, these new form factors will launch alongside traditional iPhone models, offering consumers more choices without replacing classic designs.
