Foldable iPhone: Launch Date, Features, and Price

 

Introduction

Apple is gearing up to introduce a groundbreaking innovation in its iPhone lineup with the launch of a foldable iPhone. For the past few years, there has been much speculation about Apple entering the foldable smartphone market, especially since competitors like Samsung, Google, and others have already released their foldable devices. Apple, however, aims to bring its signature quality and innovation to this segment. In this detailed report, we explore the expected launch date, key features, pricing, and other significant aspects of the foldable iPhone.

Launch Date

According to recent reports, Apple’s first foldable iPhone is likely to launch in 2026. Industry analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu have indicated that the device could hit the market in the second half of 2026 (July-December). Jeff Pu has reported that Apple has already begun the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase with Foxconn for this device. Additionally, Ming-Chi Kuo has stated that the specifications of the foldable iPhone will be finalized by the second quarter of 2025 (April-June). However, some reports suggest a potential delay until 2027, as Apple is known for taking extra time to perfect its products and ensure they meet its high standards.

Features of the Foldable iPhone

The foldable iPhone is expected to come with a range of impressive features, setting a new benchmark in the foldable smartphone market. It is rumored to adopt a book-style folding design, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. Here’s a detailed look at its anticipated features:

Display and Design

• Inner Display: The foldable iPhone will feature a 7.8-inch inner display, offering an iPad Mini-like experience when unfolded. This display is expected to have a resolution of 2713x1920 pixels and a 4:3 aspect ratio.
• Outer Display: When folded, the device will have a 5.5-inch outer display with a resolution of 2088x1422 pixels, making it suitable for use as a regular iPhone.
• Crease-Free Display: Apple is reportedly working on a completely crease-free display for this device, addressing a common issue in other foldable phones where a visible crease appears at the fold. Samsung Display is supplying its advanced OLED panels for this iPhone, ensuring top-notch quality.
• Hinge and Thickness: When unfolded, the phone will be 4.5-4.8 mm thick, thinner than Apple’s slimmest iPad Pro. When folded, it will measure 9-9.5 mm in thickness. The hinge will be made using stainless steel and titanium alloy, with China’s Bright Laser Technologies (BLT) employing 3D printing technology for its production.

Camera System

• Inner Display Camera: The inner display will feature an under-display selfie camera, similar to the technology used in Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. Apple is working to enhance the quality of this camera to ensure a seamless user experience.
• Outer Display Camera: The outer display will have a traditional punch-hole selfie camera, offering high-quality selfies and video calls.
• Rear Camera: The foldable iPhone is expected to have a dual rear camera system, consisting of a main camera and an ultra-wide camera. However, according to Ming-Chi Kuo, it may not include the triple camera system found in the iPhone Pro and Pro Max models.

Software and AI

• The foldable iPhone will run on iOS but will incorporate some iPadOS features to make the most of the larger display, enabling better multitasking capabilities.
• It will fully support Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI platform. For instance, users will be able to interact with an AI chatbot on one part of the screen while viewing a map or other information on another, enhancing the AI-driven experience.

Battery and Other Technology

• The device will use the same silicon-carbon battery technology as the iPhone 17 Air, though exact battery capacity details are not yet available.
• Touch ID will be integrated into the power button on the side of the screen. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Face ID might not be included in this model due to space constraints caused by the phone’s slim design and the required sensors.

Price

The foldable iPhone will be a premium device, and its price will reflect that. Industry experts Ming-Chi Kuo and Mark Gurman estimate that the phone will be priced between $2,000 and $2,500 (approximately ₹1,65,000 to ₹2,06,000). A recent report from Barclays Bank suggests a starting price of around $2,300 (approximately ₹1,90,000), making it one of the most expensive iPhones in Apple’s history. Despite the high price, experts believe Apple fans will be willing to pay for the device’s quality and innovation.

Apple’s Market Strategy

With the foldable iPhone, Apple aims to establish a strong presence in the foldable smartphone market. Samsung has dominated this segment since launching the Galaxy Z Fold series in 2019. Apple’s entry in 2026 will be seven years behind Samsung, but the company is confident that its unique quality and brand loyalty will attract customers. Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that Apple could sell 3 to 5 million units in 2026, with sales potentially reaching 20 million units by 2027.

Competition and Impact

Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market is expected to have a significant impact. Companies like Samsung, Google, Motorola, and Huawei are already established players in this space. However, display expert Ross Young predicts that Apple’s entry could lead to over 30% growth in the foldable market. The foldable iPhone is likely to create new demand, particularly among Apple’s loyal customer base.

Conclusion

The foldable iPhone is poised to be a major milestone in the world of technology. Expected to launch in 2026, this device will bring a crease-free display, sleek design, AI-driven features, and premium quality to the foldable smartphone market, setting a new standard. However, its high price may pose a challenge for some consumers. Apple enthusiasts and tech lovers are eagerly awaiting this device, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming months.