The foldable iPhone could pit Apple and Samsung in a direct battle for the market

So far, Apple and Samsung have avoided a head-on collision when releasing their flagships. But with the release of the foldable iPhone in 2026, that will change: for the first time, both companies’ devices will be in the same time window, and the competition will be more intense than ever.

And with the release of the foldable iPhone in 2026, the competition will be more intense than ever.

How Apple and Samsung shared a calendar before

Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S series traditionally comes out in January and February. The foldable Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip appear in the summer, closer to July or August. Apple launches new iPhones strictly in the fall, usually in September.

This schedule suited both companies: they didn’t interfere with each other and could get maximum attention from the media and customers. But that’s all changing with the next generation of iPhones coming in 2026.

The first foldable iPhone will be released in the fall of 2026

According to The Information, Apple will introduce the first foldable iPhone at the same time as the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models – in the fall of 2026. The device will be in a “paperback” format with a 5.7-inch outer screen and a nearly 8-inch main display inside.

The device will be designed with a 5.7-inch outer screen and a nearly 8-inch main display inside.

In turn, the standard iPhone 18 and the more affordable iPhone 18e won’t be released until spring 2027. This confirms Apple’s strategy to phase the release of devices – the first time in the history of the iPhone lineup.

Clash of releases: iPhone vs. Galaxy Z and Galaxy S

The release of the foldable iPhone in the fall will directly compete with the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip, which Samsung typically releases in the summer. That proximity in timing could undermine interest in the Korean devices, especially among those willing to wait to see what Apple’s response will be.

And the spring launch of the iPhone 18 and 18e in 2027 will likely coincide with the release of the Galaxy S27 series — creating another competitive crossroads that hasn’t been there before. Before that, Samsung had a clean release without the threat of new iPhones.

What is Apple doing all this for?”

Apple probably wants to optimize sales by stretching the releases of the six iPhone models over several seasons. This will help keep interest in the lineup longer and allocate marketing resources efficiently.

But that strategy has a side effect: It puts Apple in a direct battle with Samsung on all fronts – in the premium segment, in foldable form factors, and even in the budget category.

And it’s a strategy that’s not just a strategy, it’s a strategy that’s going to put Apple in direct competition with Samsung on all fronts – in the premium segment, in foldable form factors, and even in the budget category.

The Foldable iPhone could pit Apple and Samsung in a direct battle for the market was first published on ITZine.ru.