Apple Reportedly Plans Thinner iPhone and Foldable Devices

Apple is reportedly set to unveil a thinner iPhone next year, marking a significant shift after years of minor updates. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on December 15, the new model is expected to cost less than the current iPhone Pro series. By simplifying the camera system, Apple aims to reduce production costs and cater to consumers looking for a sleek design without the need for all the advanced features of Pro models.

In addition to the slimmer iPhone, Apple is reportedly working on two foldable devices. One of these would function as both a laptop and a phone, while the other would be a smaller foldable smartphone. Sources familiar with Apple’s plans revealed that while the foldable devices have been under development for years, progress has been hindered by challenges in refining critical components, particularly the hinge mechanism. Early prototypes explored an outward-folding design, but the company now favors an inward-folding approach.

The foldable iPhone is expected to debut in 2026. Jeff Pu, an analyst at Hong Kong-based Haitong International Securities, explained that Apple’s cautious approach stems from current foldable devices not meeting the company’s stringent standards for thinness, weight, and energy efficiency.

This news follows the September launch of a foldable phone by Huawei, one of Apple’s chief competitors in the Chinese market. Huawei’s twice-folding smartphone, heralded as the world’s first of its kind, was unveiled by Richard Yu, head of Huawei’s consumer group. Yu described the device as an “epoch-making product,” highlighting the company’s five years of development efforts.

Meanwhile, the global smartphone market experienced a recovery in 2024 after two years of sharp declines. However, data from IDC revealed that Apple’s contribution to this rebound was modest. Android smartphones saw growth of 7.6% across regions such as Asia (excluding Japan and China), Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, while iPhone sales were projected to rise by just 0.4% for the year.

Apple has yet to comment on these developments. The company’s ambitious plans reflect its ongoing efforts to maintain competitiveness in an evolving and highly dynamic market.