Apple might shift the Vision Pro team to a foldable iPhone project for 2026 launch

Apple might shift the Vision Pro team to a foldable iPhone project for 2026 launch،

Since the start of 2024, rumors that Apple is developing a foldable smartphone have appeared quite often. The latest speculation, coming from South Korea, further supports this idea and provides additional details about the tech giant's plans.

According to Alpha Economy (via Android Authority), Apple has reportedly made the final decision to release its first foldable iPhone in September 2026, which could coincide with the launch of the iPhone 18 series. Additionally, the source suggests that Apple has reoriented its Vision Pro team to focus on the development of foldable phoneand the company plans to sell approximately 50 million units of foldable phones worldwide.

If this rumor turns out to be correct, a foldable iPhone will be released after the 8th generation of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip (which should be its main rivals). The Galaxy Z series usually launches around the end of summer. For example, we expect the Galaxy Z Fold 6 to release around August this year, probably during the next Samsung Unpacked event.

The outlet suggests that Apple plans to sell 50 million units, which is a significant jump from recent industry trends. Although the foldable smartphone market is growing, the combined shipments of all foldables from different brands remain significantly lower. For example, market leader Samsung reportedly shipped around 10 million units of its latest Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 handsets.

Additionally, the foldable iPhone would be developed by the same team responsible for VisionPro. An insider familiar with Apple's internal operations told Alpha Economy (automatically translated):

I understand that a significant number of Vision Pro's core staff have been transferred to the foldable phone development team to develop the foldable phone. Unless the situation changes, Apple's foldable phone will be launched in September 2026.

After years of development, Apple recently launched its VisionPro headset, suggesting that the company may now focus on a foldable iPhone. However, it is essential to approach this information with caution, as rumors of this nature often turn out to be less than 100% accurate. For example, previous leaks match the possibility of seeing the first foldable iPhone in 2026. However, conflicting reports claim that this could be delayed as Apple has reportedly suspended work on the foldable iPhone. Additionally, rumors are circulating that a foldable iPad mini will be the first to hit the market to celebrate the iPhone's 20th anniversary in 2027.

As is often the case with leaks and rumors, the details may be conflicting, especially since these events are still years away and subject to change. Stay tuned for further updates.