Apple’s inaugural folding iPhone, potentially launching in 2026, might come with an upscale price tag and cutting-edge AI functionalities
Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) is gearing up to break into the foldable smartphone industry with its inaugural foldable iPhone, set for release in late 2026, according to a Medium post by TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Industry projections suggest the device may cost around $2,500, featuring a price tag well above $2,000. Thanks to Apple’s strong brand loyalty and high replacement demand, the foldable variant is seen as a premium choice for consumers.
The foldable iPhone is expected to sport a book-style design, featuring an exterior screen of about 5.5 inches and a creaseless interior display of over 7.8 inches. A Touch ID will be incorporated into the device through a side button due to space limitations that might eliminate Face ID. The design also includes a front-facing camera that can be used in both folded and unfolded modes, coupled with a dual-lens rear camera.
Apple aims to construct the casing using a titanium alloy and use a hinge made from stainless steel and titanium alloy. The folded device is expected to be between 9mm and 9.5mm thick and between 4.5mm and 4.8mm when unfolded. The product will also use high-density battery cells similar to those expected in the forthcoming iPhone 17.
The launch of mass production in the last quarter of 2026 is synced with the finalization of the foldable iPhone’s design specs by the second quarter of 2025. Apple reportedly plans to produce between 3 million and 5 million units in the first year of production. Furthermore, the total sales of the foldable iPhone could reach 20 million units by 2027, including a second-generation model.
While the complexity of foldable technology may limit early production figures, Apple’s entry into this sector signifies a broader shift towards AI-driven smartphones, emphasizing multimodal capabilities and cross-app connectivity.
