Concept image of a Foldable iPhone, courtesy of AppleInsider.
What we know so far
Apple is preparing to launch its first foldable iPhone, expected to arrive in 2026, potentially alongside the iPhone 18 series.
After years of competitors like Samsung and various Chinese manufacturers releasing foldable devices, Apple appears set to enter the foldable market with a more compact design, featuring a 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.5-inch external screen.
The device is rumored to use premium materials, including a titanium alloy hinge, aiming to deliver a nearly crease-free folding experience.
Production is reportedly scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026, with initial units estimated between 6 and 8 million. Pricing is expected to be around $2,000, making it one of Apple's most expensive smartphones to date. The foldable iPhone will likely offer storage options starting at 256 GB, paired with 12 GB of RAM, and is rumored to include a dual 48 MP rear camera system and an under-display selfie camera on the inner screen.
Battery capacity is estimated between 5,000 and 5,500 mAh, which is notably larger than typical iPhone batteries and could be a great selling point.
JPMorgan predicts that Apple's foldable iPhone will become a major success, with sales reaching 45 million units by 2028. By entering the foldable market, Apple is expected to significantly boost the segment's sales and revenue, potentially becoming the global leader in foldable smartphones.
Here's a table that show just how late to the foldable game Apple actually is:
Foldable
Release date
Foldable iPhone (iPhone Fold)
Expected to arrive in 2026
Samsung Galaxy Fold
February 2019
Huawei Mate X2 *first book style foldable from Huawei
February 2021
Honor Magic V
January 2022
Xiaomi Mix Fold
March 2021
Oppo Find N
December 2021
Vivo X Fold
April 2022
As you can see, Samsung was first with the Galaxy Fold and it took other phone makers from China around three years to come up with their own book-style foldables.
If Apple releases its iPhone Fold in 2026 that would be a seven year delay compared to the first Galaxy phone, but a more modest four year delay compared to the mass launch of foldable phones on the market.
One thing is (almost) certain: Apple is reportedly planning annual releases for its foldable device, aiming for top-tier hardware and a nearly invisible crease. The company hopes this approach will not only make the foldable iPhone a major revenue stream but also reignite interest in the slowing foldable market.
Earlier reports suggested Apple aimed to eventually ship 15 to 20 million foldable iPhones, but new information points to a more cautious 2026 launch target of just 6 to 8 million units – giving Samsung time to prepare for a larger push if Apple commits fully later.
Foldable iPhone price
Industry insiders expect Apple to launch at around the $2,000 price tag. This isn't as outrageous as earlier rumors which had it that the handset would be sold for ~$2,500.
Reportedly, the foldable iPhone will come with a Bill of Materials estimated at $759 – slightly less than Samsung's costs. Apple is projected to produce several million units initially, with a price between $1,800 and $2,000, making it the most expensive iPhone yet but potentially cheaper than early forecasts. Samsung Display will supply most of the 7-inch OLED panels, with LG Display joining later, while Foxconn will serve as the primary assembler.
Many believe Apple's entry could accelerate foldable adoption across multiple device categories, benefiting from a mature supply chain and refined technology to deliver a more advanced product at a competitive cost.
Here is how the alleged foldable iPhone price compares to other popular foldable phones on the market:
Model
Price
Foldable iPhone
~$2,000*
Samsung Galaxy Fold 7
$1,999
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
$1,800
* - expected
Of course, take this with a grain of salt, as nothing is yet official.
Foldable iPhone design
The foldable iPhone might be smaller and wider than other foldable phones on the market. It might look a lot like the Pixel Fold on the right (Image by PhoneArena)
We are now hearing it from multiple sources that the first foldable iPhone is likely to be a bit more compact than most other foldable phones on the market.
Not only that, but it is also expected to have a wider aspect ratio, so in many ways, it could look somewhat similar to the first-generation Pixel Fold.
Unlike that phone, though, the iPhone Fold is anticipated to have a much more modern design and avoid many of the mistakes Google made with that device. Some of those were an outdated design and excessive weight.
Some anticipate Apple's first foldable iPhone to feature a 7.8-inch internal screen and a 5.5-inch external display, smaller than the Galaxy Z Fold 7's massive 8-inch main and 6.5-inch cover screens. Even the older Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the OnePlus Open would offer larger displays in both areas. While this could put Apple at a disadvantage on screen size, the device may stand out in other ways, with rumored strengths including better battery life, improved durability, and a crease-free display design.
So how thin will this new foldable iPhone be?
Model
Thickness (Folded)
Thickness (Unfolded)
Foldable iPhone*
9 - 9.5 mm*
4.5 - 4.8 mm*
Oppo Find N5
8.9 mm
4.2 mm
Pixel 9 Pro Fold
10.5 mm
5.1 mm
* - expected.
That's no match for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and its 8.9 mm (folded) and 4.2 mm (unfolded) numbers – on paper – but in real life, Apple's foldable will surely feel thin and elegant.
Foldable iPhone display
In recent months, reports on the foldable iPhone have consistently pointed to Apple postponing its launch in order to eliminate the center crease entirely. The company reportedly sees removing the crease as the key feature that would set its device apart from every other foldable phone available.
This will be thanks to a new hinge that will be made of stainless steel and a titanium alloy with a titanium casing. Premium indeed.
As of late February 2025, the company has allegedly found the right hinge mechanism and overall mechanics to achieve that big goal, so the first foldable iPhone should arrive without a crease (or with one that is barely noticeable).
As for the iPhone Fold screen sizes, rumors have mentioned the following numbers:
5.49-inch outer screen, 2088 x1422p resolution, 14.6:10 aspect ratio
7.76-inch main screen, 2713 x1920p resolution, 14.1:10 aspect ratio
What is notable here that both of these screens are expected to be wider and less tall than on other foldable phones. So far, there are no further specifics, though.
Foldable iPhone camera
Considering that this shapes up as a premium product from Apple, we expect a powerful camera system on board.
But a March 2025 report from Ming-Chi Kuo says that the foldable iPhone will only have a dual rear camera system, so not quite as versatile as the triple cameras on the iPhone Pro and Pro Max models.
That means, we can expect the following:
Main camera, likely a 48 MP sensor
Ultra-wide camera, likely also a 48 MP sensor
If the foldable iPhone only has two cameras, chances are the telephoto camera will be dropped. That means you won't get as good a zoom quality as on other foldable phones. In comparison, you do get a 5X telephoto lens on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, so if Apple does not have that lens, that would be a considerable downside. That is why we are not so sure about this rumor.
It would just be too big of a compromise for Apple to make for such an expensive product, so let's see if other reports corroborate this in the future.
Under-display selfie camera?
In April 2025, one of the most prolific Chinese leakers, Digital Chat Station, claimed that the foldable iPhone will feature an under-display selfie camera on the inner display. For context, Samsung's Galaxy Fold series have also been using an "invisible" under-display selfie camera ever since the Fold 4.
If confirmed, this would mark the first iPhone to feature an under-display camera. This technology allows for a seamless main screen without any visible camera holes or notches. However, the trade-off is that the camera’s image quality tends to be lower than that of conventional front-facing cameras.
There will reportedly be another front camera on the outer screen, and that one could be a traditional one, so if users want the maximum quality for selfies and video calls, they could use that camera. Again, this is the same approach as what Samsung has done with the Fold series.
Foldable iPhone storage
Again, knowing that it's still too early to predict, we have some early predictions that are by no means confirmed.
A premium foldable iPhone is likely to start at 256 GB of storage, and we have seen foldable phones from other brands also offer at least 256 GB of storage on their book-style foldables.
There is also one more reason – it is just very unlikely that a potential $2,000 iPhone Fold comes with 128 GB of storage in the base model.
Details about the foldable iPhone's battery capacity have emerged, suggesting it will have a battery between 5,000mAh and 5,500mAh. How Apple plans to fit such a battery into the device remains unclear, given the size and weight constraints typical of foldable phones using standard lithium-ion technology.
Earlier rumors about Apple experimenting with silicon-carbon batteries or thinner battery designs have largely faded, with the iPhone 17 Air expected to have a 2,800mAh battery. Current speculation points to Apple focusing on improving energy efficiency, such as using more power-efficient display components, to extend battery life rather than increasing battery size.
That's amazing, given that iPhones typically have smaller batteries than Android phones:
Foldable phone
Battery size
Foldable iPhone
5,000—5,500 mAh*
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
~4,400 mAh
Oppo Find N5
5,600 mAh
Honor Magic V5
6,100 mAh
* - expected
That's a clear win over the Z Fold 7, so maybe Samsung will up the mAh numbers for the Galaxy Z Fold 8?
Foldable iPhone features and software
Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to run on iOS 27, which will be specifically designed with foldable devices in mind. These changes may include improved multitasking, smoother transitions between folded and unfolded modes, and better app behavior across different screen sizes.
While subtle, these software enhancements could be crucial for making the foldable iPhone feel like a seamless extension of the iOS experience. Apple appears focused on ensuring the device is reliable and consistent in all states, addressing common issues found in current foldables. Additionally, iOS 27 is expected to bring a major user interface overhaul that may better utilize larger, flexible displays.
Foldable iPhone hardware
Recent reports suggest that Apple is developing a foldable iPhone with a crease-free design, using liquid metal with special properties to eliminate the visible and tactile crease common in current foldable phones. The company aims to deliver a premium, uncompromised experience, distinguishing its device from competitors. Unlike existing models, which still show a noticeable crease despite improvements, Apple is focusing on new materials and engineering to address this issue.
On the performance side, the iPhone Fold is rumored to run on Apple's A20 chipset, built on a 2 nm process, promising up to 15% faster speeds and 30% better power efficiency compared to the A19. Battery capacity is projected between 5,000 and 5,500 mAh, supported by optimized iOS power management. Additionally, the device may bring back side-mounted Touch ID for biometric authentication, offering an alternative to Face ID that could be better suited for the foldable form factor.
Durability remains a critical concern for foldable phones, especially at premium price points. The iPhone Fold is expected to feature a titanium frame and hinge, incorporating stainless steel and liquid metal for enhanced strength and longevity. This approach seeks to avoid the common issues seen in other foldables, such as loose hinges and squeaky mechanisms after extended use.
Should I wait for the Foldable iPhone?
You should wait for the foldable iPhone if you're not happy with the current foldable phone design and form factors. You should also wait if you love iOS and want to have that experience rather than Android on a foldable phone.
You should not wait for the foldable iPhone ifyou think current foldable phones are already quite good and you don't mind or love the form factor. The iPhone will be slightly different, which you may not be good, if you already like the current form factors.
Sebastian, a veteran of a tech writer with over 15 years of experience in media and marketing, blends his lifelong fascination with writing and technology to provide valuable insights into the realm of mobile devices. Embracing the evolution from PCs to smartphones, he harbors a special appreciation for the Google Pixel line due to their superior camera capabilities. Known for his engaging storytelling style, sprinkled with rich literary and film references, Sebastian critically explores the impact of technology on society, while also perpetually seeking out the next great tech deal, making him a distinct and relatable voice in the tech world.
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