Apple has yet to officially unveil its first foldable iPhone, but the rumor mill is already churning with details about what’s coming next. According to a fresh report, the Cupertino giant is reportedly deep into development of its second- and third-generation foldable devices, with the latter expected to boast significantly larger displays than anything Apple has offered before.
While the tech world eagerly awaits the debut of the first foldable iPhone—widely expected to be called the iPhone Ultra and launch this September—insiders suggest that Apple isn’t resting on its laurels. The company is already mapping out a multi-year roadmap for its foldable lineup, aiming to refine and expand the form factor with each iteration.
Apple’s Foldable Roadmap: What We Know So Far
In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has dropped some intriguing details about Apple’s future plans. Gurman claims that Apple is already planning a second-generation foldable iPhone for a 2027 release. This echoes an earlier rumor from June, which suggested that the second-gen model would retain the same design as its predecessor, focusing more on internal upgrades and software optimizations rather than a radical visual overhaul.
But the real headline comes from what Gurman says about the third-generation model. According to his sources, Apple has begun development of a third-gen foldable that will feature larger displays, likely pushing the envelope in terms of screen real estate. This move would position Apple to compete more aggressively with established foldable players like Samsung and Google, who have already experimented with larger foldable screens.
The Third-Generation Foldable: A Bigger Canvas
While specific dimensions remain under wraps, industry analysts speculate that the third-gen foldable could sport a main display in the 8- to 9-inch range when unfolded, and a cover display that might stretch to 6.5 inches or more. That would be a noticeable jump from the expected first-gen model, which is rumored to feature a 7.6-inch main screen and a 5.7-inch cover display.
Larger displays would not only enhance the multimedia and productivity experience but also give Apple more room to innovate with multitasking features, stylus support, and advanced split-screen capabilities. It’s a natural evolution for a device that aims to replace both a smartphone and a tablet in a single form factor.
Why Apple Is Moving Fast on Foldables
Apple’s accelerated timeline for foldable development is a strategic move. The foldable market has matured significantly over the past few years, with hinge technology, display durability, and software optimization improving by leaps and bounds. Apple, known for its meticulous approach, likely wants to avoid being left behind in a segment that’s projected to grow exponentially.
Moreover, the iPhone Ultra, set to launch this year, will be Apple’s first foray into foldable territory. By already planning two successors, Apple signals confidence in the form factor and a commitment to iterating quickly based on user feedback and technological advancements.
What to Expect from the iPhone Ultra (First-Gen)
Before we get too excited about the third-gen model, let’s recap what’s expected from the inaugural foldable. The iPhone Ultra is rumored to feature a book-style foldable design, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. It’s expected to have a sturdy titanium hinge, a crease-resistant display, and Apple’s latest A-series chip. The device will likely run a specialized version of iOS that’s optimized for the foldable experience, with enhanced multitasking and app continuity features.
Pricing is another hot topic. Analysts predict the iPhone Ultra could start at around $1,999, placing it in the premium tier of Apple’s lineup. That would make it a direct competitor to the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the upcoming Pixel Fold 2.
Second-Gen Foldable: Refining the Formula
For the second-generation model, expected in 2027, Gurman suggests that Apple will focus on refining the existing design rather than reinventing it. This approach is typical of Apple’s product cycles—the first iteration lays the groundwork, and subsequent versions polish the experience. We might see improvements in battery life, camera systems, and display brightness, along with a possible reduction in weight and thickness.
There’s also speculation that the second-gen model could introduce a new hinge mechanism that further minimizes the crease, a common pain point for foldable users. Additionally, Apple might integrate its own modem chip by then, reducing reliance on Qualcomm and improving power efficiency.
Third-Gen Foldable: The Display Revolution
The third-generation foldable, which could arrive as early as 2028, is where things get truly exciting. With larger displays, Apple would be catering to power users who crave more screen real estate for productivity, gaming, and media consumption. Imagine a foldable iPhone that unfolds into a mini-tablet with a display that rivals the iPad mini in size.
This larger canvas would also enable new use cases, such as a more immersive split-screen experience, a floating keyboard for easier typing, and enhanced Apple Pencil support. Some rumors even suggest that Apple might incorporate under-display Face ID or a camera system that sits beneath the screen, allowing for a truly edge-to-edge display without any notches or punch-holes.
How Apple’s Foldable Strategy Could Impact the Market
Apple’s entry into the foldable market is expected to be a game-changer. Historically, when Apple enters a new product category—like smartwatches, tablets, or wireless earbuds—it tends to legitimize the segment and drive mainstream adoption. A foldable iPhone with larger displays could set new standards for what consumers expect from a premium device.
Competitors will likely feel the pressure to innovate further, leading to a faster pace of development across the industry. We could see more aggressive pricing, better display technology, and more creative form factors as brands vie for consumer attention.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
Of course, larger displays come with their own set of challenges. Battery life is a primary concern—a bigger screen consumes more power, so Apple will need to develop more efficient batteries or optimize the A-series chips for better energy management. Durability is another factor; larger foldable screens are more prone to damage from drops and impacts, so Apple will need to invest in robust protective materials.
Software optimization will also be crucial. iOS will need to handle the larger display gracefully, offering seamless transitions between phone and tablet modes. Developers will need to update their apps to take full advantage of the expanded screen space, which could be a hurdle in the early days.
What This Means for Consumers
For consumers, the prospect of a third-gen foldable iPhone with larger displays is tantalizing. It promises a device that can serve as a primary smartphone, a portable entertainment hub, and a productivity tool—all in one. The larger screens would make reading, watching videos, and browsing the web more enjoyable, while the foldable design ensures the device remains pocketable.
However, it’s important to remember that these are still rumors, and Apple’s plans could change. The tech giant is known for its secrecy and often abandons or alters projects based on market conditions and technological feasibility. But given the credibility of Gurman’s sources and the consistency of recent leaks, it’s reasonable to expect that Apple is indeed working on a foldable lineup with larger displays in the pipeline.
Timeline and Release Date Speculations
If the current roadmap holds, we can expect the first-gen iPhone Ultra in September 2025, the second-gen model in 2027, and the third-gen with larger displays potentially in 2028. That gives Apple ample time to refine the technology, address any issues, and ensure a polished product at launch.
Some analysts speculate that Apple might accelerate the timeline if the foldable market grows faster than anticipated, but a more measured approach seems likely given Apple’s history of prioritizing quality over speed.
Final Thoughts on Apple’s Foldable Future
Apple’s journey into foldable iPhones is shaping up to be a multi-stage evolution. The first-gen iPhone Ultra will set the foundation, the second-gen will refine the experience, and the third-gen will push boundaries with larger displays. This strategy reflects Apple’s commitment to innovation and its willingness to adapt to changing consumer preferences.
While we wait for official announcements, it’s exciting to speculate about what these devices might offer. If the rumors hold true, Apple could redefine the foldable smartphone category and set a new benchmark for display technology. For now, all eyes are on September 2025 and the arrival of the iPhone Ultra—the first step in what promises to be a fascinating journey.
