Apple's Bold Vision: Foldable iPhone and Mystery Design Set to Transform 2026

While the iPhone 16e has just hit the market and four new models are slated for this fall—including the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air—2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year in Apple’s innovation timeline.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his recent Power On newsletter, Apple is “readying a skinnier iPhone for later this year and focused on finishing up development of its first foldable device for 2026.” But what’s truly surprising is his revelation that “there’s also another new iPhone design in the works for that year.”

This marks the first time we’ve heard about Apple developing two entirely new iPhone designs for a single year. It’s particularly noteworthy considering the company is already introducing the sleek 17 Air design this year, alongside significant design refinements to the iPhone 17 Pro models.

The foldable iPhone, long rumored and eagerly anticipated, appears to be nearing completion as expected. But this second design remains shrouded in mystery. Gurman’s wording suggests something substantial—perhaps more revolutionary than a mere base model update.

While 2026 may seem distant, these developments align perfectly with recent hints from CEO Tim Cook and hardware chief John Ternus that Apple’s iPhone roadmap is “more ambitious than ever.” The company that redefined smartphones appears poised to do it again, potentially twice over.

The question remains: What could this mystery design be? A completely buttonless iPhone? A radically new form factor? Or something we haven’t even imagined yet?

Apple’s future continues to intrigue, and 2026 might just deliver the next watershed moment in smartphone evolution.

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Eric Sandler

Chief Writer at WiFi Planet

Eric Sandler is a veteran US tech writer with over 25 years of experience covering the latest advancements in the world of technology. From groundbreaking innovations to in-depth reviews, Eric has built a reputation for delivering insightful, reliable content. His work spans across a variety of tech topics, including smartphones, gadgets, AI, and more, making him a trusted voice in the industry.