When is the foldable iPhone coming out?
The first foldable iPhone is expected to launch in late 2026, according to multiple reliable sources, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, and industry insiders at Samsung Display.
Samsung Display President Lee Cheong recently said the company will mass-produce foldable OLED panels for a North American client, a remark widely interpreted as a reference to Apple.
If accurate, Apple could announce the foldable iPhone, rumored to be called the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra, during its September 2026 Apple Event, alongside the iPhone 18 lineup.
What will the foldable iPhone look like?
The Apple iPhone Fold is said to adopt a book-style design, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold, featuring:
- 7.8-inch inner OLED display (virtually crease-free)
- 5.5-inch outer display
- Thickness: ~4.8mm when unfolded, ~9mm folded
- Display resolution: 2,713 × 1,920 (inner), 2,088 × 1,422 (outer)
- Aspect ratio: 4:3 inner screen
Apple reportedly developed a metal plate system that disperses bending stress to minimize creases, a design approach that could distinguish it from other foldables.
Will the foldable iPhone use new materials?
Yes. The foldable iPhone is rumored to feature a titanium chassis and a liquid metal hinge, combining strength, flexibility, and precision engineering.
These materials are designed to eliminate visible folds and improve long-term durability, two challenges that have plagued other foldable phones.
What are the expected specs and features?
Based on credible leaks:
- Authentication: Touch ID (side button) replaces Face ID
- Cameras: Two 48MP rear cameras, one outer selfie camera, one inner under-display camera
- Chip & Connectivity: Apple’s C2 modem, enabling faster mmWave 5G
- Battery: High-density cells with improved power efficiency
- Colors: Black and white variants are currently in testing
The internal display experience aims to blend iPhone performance with iPad-like multitasking, marking Apple’s first hybrid mobile experience.
Where will Apple produce its foldable iPhone?
Apple is reportedly finalizing foldable display assembly processes in Taiwan, with plans for mass production in India.
This aligns with Apple’s strategy to diversify its manufacturing and increase global production capacity by around 10% by 2026.
How much will the foldable iPhone cost?
Estimates vary, but analysts expect the Apple foldable iPhone to cost between $1,800 and $2,500 USD, depending on configuration.
Early projections from UBS and Jefferies suggest a base model price of around $1,999, which would make it the most expensive iPhone ever.
Will it replace the iPhone Pro Max?
Possibly — but not immediately.
With a 7.8-inch unfolded display, the foldable iPhone will surpass the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s 6.9-inch screen, signaling the end of “Max” as Apple’s largest form factor. Going forward, Apple may redefine its lineup into two paths:
- Max = premium traditional iPhone
- Fold = next-generation innovation
This mirrors Apple’s chip strategy, where the “Ultra” line surpassed “Max” in performance and prestige.
Why is Apple entering the foldable market now?
While Samsung and Huawei have dominated the foldable market for years, Apple has taken a slower, more deliberate path.
By 2026, the technology — including crease-free displays, liquid metal hinges, and thin form factors — will finally meet Apple’s design standards.
Analyst Edison Lee (Jefferies) cautions that expectations are sky-high and that early foldable iPhone sales may be modest (around 12.5 million units in 2026), but the device is still expected to redefine the category.
Foldable iPhone Summary (2026 Rumors)
| Feature | Expected Details |
|---|---|
| Launch | Fall 2026 |
| Design | Book-style inward folding |
| Display Sizes | 7.8-inch inner / 5.5-inch outer |
| Thickness | 4.8mm unfolded |
| Build | Titanium frame, liquid metal hinge |
| Biometrics | Touch ID (side-mounted) |
| Camera Setup | Dual 48MP rear, under-display inner camera |
| Price Range | $1,800–$2,500 |
| Production | Taiwan (prototyping), India (mass production) |
| Codename | iPhone Fold / iPhone Ultra |
The Bottom Line: Apple’s Foldable Era Is About to Begin
After years of speculation, patents, and prototypes, the foldable iPhone appears closer than ever.
With Samsung Display set to provide OLED panels, Foxconn gearing up for production, and analysts confirming a 2026 launch window, Apple’s next major leap in smartphone design is finally on the horizon.
Whether you call it the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra, one thing is certain — the next Apple iPhone won’t just bend the rules. It’ll fold them entirely.
