The first Apple foldable iPhone features a 7.8-inch creaseless display, titanium build, AI-driven experience, and Touch ID. Expected launch in 2026. With the reintroduction of the foldable formula into modern devices being at an all-time high, it was pretty much expected of industry giant Apple to make a move in the market space.
According to renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuothe company plans to finalize device specifications by Q2 2025, with mass production starting in Q4 2026. He went on to add that due to the complexity of the device’s design, the initial shipments might be limited to 3-5 million units. Additionally, a second generation of foldables is expected to be released come 2027, with the total shipments estimated to reach 20 million units by that year.
The Apple foldable iPhone is set to be book-style, featuring a 7.8-inch creaseless inner display, which will be paired with a 5.5-inch cover screen. The entire device is housed within a titanium alloy body with a stainless steel titanium hinge. When folded, it is expected to measure about 9-9.5 mm, and 4.5-4.8 mm when unfolded.
“Touch ID returns as a side button, as Face ID may be absent due to thickness and internal space constraints,” Kuo claimed; the Touch ID is making a comeback after having completely disappeared with the iPhone SE 4, replaced with the more expensive iPhone 16e. The rear camera is to feature a dual-lens setup, and a front-facing camera will be available both when folded and unfolded. Finally, it is to use the same high-density battery cells as the ultra-thin iPhone 17.
The current market regarding foldables is dominated by Samsung and Huawei, who together hold 70% of the total, while other brands like Honor or Motorola trail quite far behind. With the release of the iPhone’s foldable, it would be competing with Samsung’s Galaxy Fold, Google’s Pixel Fold, Huawei’s Mate XT, and other such devices.
Apple may position the foldable as a true AI-driven experience. Focusing more on the multimodal functionality and deep cross-app integration, the larger screen also aims to augment the AI experience. Kuo provided an example where one could use a chatbot to make travel plans while simultaneously viewing the location of the subject on a map.
Apple is likely to launch its first foldable iPhone in late 2026, and as by Kuo, the price point could be anywhere between $2,000 and $2,500 (around 1,74,000 INR and 2,17,000 INR), which would make it considerably more expensive than the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Z Fold 7 (Galaxy Z fold 6 starts at $1,900 or 1,65,000 INR).
“Leveraging the iPhone’s status as a must-have device and Apple’s loyal fanbase, it’s expected to generate strong replacement demand despite the premium price-provided quality meets expectations,” added Ming-Chi Kuo.
The subject of the device’s price may drive some folks away, but Apple has a relentlessly strong customer base who would do anything to acquire a device of this nature. As it goes with Apple, the device is expected to come with capabilities like those of any current-gen iPhones, and if they play their cards correctly, with proper placements and marketing, who knows? They might overthrow the current moguls.
