According to multiple reliable sources, including renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is reportedly moving forward with plans to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026. The device is said to feature a book-style design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, adopt a liquid metal hinge to reduce screen creasing, and be priced in the range of approximately $2,000 to $2,500.
Details of the Foldable iPhone Revealed
In his latest report, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman confirmed Apple's plans to launch its long-rumored foldable iPhone in 2026, corroborating information that many media outlets have previously reported. This foldable device is said to adopt a book-style design that opens horizontally like a book, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series, rather than a clamshell design that folds vertically.
According to the report, this new foldable iPhone will share many technologies with the ultra-thin "iPhone 17 Air." The iPhone 17 Air is reportedly just 5.5mm thick, which would make it the thinnest iPhone ever. Previous information suggests that while the iPhone 17 Air will have some compromises in terms of speakers and cameras, it will offer a complete iPhone experience in other respects, including a camera control button and a 48MP camera on the back, along with sufficient battery life. The technological development behind this ultra-thin design will also be an important element in the development of foldable devices, and is expected to be applied to future foldable iPhones as well, enabling the realization of compact foldable devices.
One notable feature is the liquid metal hinge manufactured by Dongguan EonTec. By adopting this hinge, Apple is attempting to address one of the main challenges facing foldable smartphones: the issue of screen creasing. Apple typically uses liquid metal for small components such as SIM eject tools, but this time plans to leverage the same technology to achieve better screen flatness.
According to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this foldable iPhone will feature a 5.5-inch external display and a 7.8-inch internal screen, making it close in size to an iPad mini. Meanwhile, a Wccftech report cites slightly different figures, with the external display at 5.49 inches and the main panel at 7.74 inches. However, both sources essentially point to a configuration featuring a small external display and a large internal display close to the size of an iPad mini.
It has also been reported that the device may be equipped with Apple's own C1 modem. This modem is characterized by excellent power efficiency and is said to achieve better battery life than any 6.1-inch iPhone. Furthermore, the C2 modem, said to be in the testing phase, could offer even further improved performance, and there is a possibility it could be adopted for the foldable iPhone.
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple may pursue a strategy of actively using in-house parts to reduce component costs in order to secure appropriate profit margins even on high-priced devices. This would be a particularly important strategy for devices using high-cost components such as foldable displays and hinges.
Launch Timing and Pricing Strategy
Regarding pricing, Gurman predicts a price of approximately $2,000. Meanwhile, Ming-Chi Kuo, known for his high accuracy in predicting Apple products, suggests an even higher possibility, reporting a range of $2,000 to $2,500. This price range indicates it could be even more expensive than Samsung's current top-tier foldable model, the Galaxy Z Fold6 (approximately $1,300), reflecting Apple's premium strategy.
Regarding launch timing, while all sources point to 2026, there are slight differences of opinion regarding the specific timeframe. Investment analyst Jeff Pu predicts a launch in the second half of 2026. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also reports a launch "next year" (2026), but does not specify a more precise timeframe. Meanwhile, Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that production will begin in Q4 2026, with the actual launch potentially occurring in late 2026 or early 2027.
Notably, multiple sources point out that production volume may be limited in the initial stages. Gurman reports that "expanding production volume will take time, so initial availability may be limited." This is likely due to the complexity of the new foldable technology, and difficulties in obtaining the device are expected in the early stages after launch. Wccftech similarly reports limited quantity sales, analyzing that "while availability will improve over time, initial supply shortages may also contribute to the high price."
Regarding market launch, multiple sources predict that this foldable device will be part of the iPhone 18 lineup. As for the name, Gurman reportedly suggested on a podcast that it could be called the "iPhone Ultra." However, this remains speculative at this stage, and we will need to wait for future information regarding the official name.
The Foldable Smartphone Market and the Significance of Apple's Entry
Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone market could have a significant impact on the industry as a whole. Currently, the foldable smartphone market is led by Samsung, which drives the market with two designs: the Galaxy Z Fold and the Galaxy Z Flip. Additionally, in the Chinese market, manufacturers such as Huawei, OPPO, Xiaomi, and vivo have also rolled out their own foldable models.
However, Apple's entry could significantly change the competitive landscape of the market. Apple often enters new product categories later than competitors, but has a track record of expanding markets through superior user experience and strong brand power once it enters. Smartwatches and wireless earbuds are examples of this.
In particular, the adoption of a liquid metal hinge could, as Ming-Chi Kuo points out, set a new standard that Android manufacturers may follow. One of the main challenges facing current foldable smartphones is the issue of screen creasing, and if Apple provides an innovative solution to this problem, it could raise the technological standard of the entire market.
Additionally, Apple's entry could change the perception of consumers who have previously been skeptical of foldable devices, potentially leading to overall market expansion. In particular, many iPhone users are reluctant to switch to foldable devices from other brands, and Apple's entry could provide an opportunity for these users to consider foldable smartphones.
Widespread Adoption May Come with the Second Generation and Beyond
That said, a high price point of $2,000 or more will likely be a barrier to widespread consumer adoption. In the initial stages, the rollout is expected to target specific segments such as technology enthusiasts and business users. Additionally, for Apple, first-generation devices tend to have strong experimental elements, with more refined and complete products typically becoming mainstream from the second generation onward. Therefore, the first-generation foldable iPhone, launching in 2026 or 2027, is likely to be positioned as merely Apple's first step into the foldable device market.
Apple's foldable device strategy may not be limited to the iPhone alone. It has been reported that Apple is also considering foldable versions of other devices, such as a foldable iPad or MacBook Pro. However, these are unlikely to launch until 2027 or 2028 at the earliest.
Ultimately, how Apple positions its foldable devices and what innovations it brings will play an important role within the company's overall product strategy. In particular, given that the iPhone accounts for the majority of Apple's revenue, the foldable iPhone has the potential to become an important pillar of future growth.
However, the high price point and initial production constraints will likely make it difficult for Apple to gain significant market share in a short period. Therefore, true success for the foldable iPhone is expected to come several years after the first model's launch, once the technology matures and prices decrease, making it accessible to a broader range of consumers.
Sources