Apple Prepares for Foldable Future: First Foldable iPhone Expected in 2026

Apple Enters the Foldable Game

After years of speculation, Apple appears to be nearing its entry into the foldable smartphone market. Famed analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that Apple is gearing up to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026, with production likely to begin in the second half of 2025. This move signals a new design frontier for Apple and positions the tech giant to compete with rivals like Samsung and Huawei, who have already established themselves in the foldable segment.

Apple’s Foldable iPhone: A Detailed Rundown

Apple is reportedly opting for a book-style foldable iPhone, resembling Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup rather than a compact clamshell design. According to Kuo, the device will sport a 7.8-inch internal display with a key innovation: a crease-free screen, addressing a long-standing issue seen in current foldables. The external display will measure approximately 5.5 inches, balancing portability with functionality.

The hinge mechanism—often the most fragile and costly component—remains under design finalization. Manufacturing is anticipated to begin under Foxconn’s supervision in late Q3 or early Q4 of 2025. Apple’s key supplier, Samsung Display, is reportedly preparing 7 to 8 million units of foldable panels annually to meet initial and ongoing demand.

As for materials, the foldable iPhone may use a titanium alloy frame, making it lightweight yet robust. Impressively, the unfolded device could be under 5mm thick, and around 9 to 9.5mm when folded—suggesting Apple is targeting both elegance and engineering precision. The dual-camera system and the side-mounted Touch ID will help conserve internal space while enhancing usability, especially with Face ID possibly absent from the initial model.

On the business side, Apple is reportedly planning 3 to 5 million shipments in 2026, with long-term goals of selling 15 to 20 million units over 2 to 3 years. This staged rollout hints at Apple testing the waters of a premium niche rather than flooding the market.

Pricing expectations are aligned with Apple’s premium branding. The foldable iPhone could launch with a price tag in the range of \$2,000 to \$2,500, putting it in ultra-premium territory.

What Undercode Say:

Apple’s cautious but confident entry into the foldable smartphone segment is textbook Cupertino strategy. While competitors like Samsung and Huawei have already launched multiple iterations of foldable phones, Apple’s delay may be strategic rather than hesitant. It allows the company to learn from others’ failures, perfect its hardware, and deliver a highly polished product—true to its reputation.

One of the most compelling features is the crease-free display. This detail, if executed successfully, will mark a significant leap ahead of current market offerings. Most foldables today suffer from visible creases, affecting both aesthetics and screen durability. Apple investing heavily in this area signals an intent to differentiate on quality, not just form factor.

The expected titanium chassis and ultra-thin profile also reflect Apple’s design-first approach, echoing their work on the iPad Pro and MacBook Air. And by opting for a side-mounted Touch ID, Apple seems to be prioritizing internal efficiency—perhaps keeping battery size or component heat in check.

From a market strategy perspective, the forecasted 3–5 million units in year one—with total long-term production set at 15–20 million units—is classic Apple. They’re not rushing to dominate the category but intend to define it on their own terms, focusing on refinement over speed. This approach has worked before: with smartphones (iPhone), tablets (iPad), and wearables (Apple Watch).

However, challenges remain. Pricing is a major barrier. Even Apple’s loyal customer base may hesitate at the expected \$2,500 price tag, particularly in uncertain economic times. Moreover, foldables are still a niche. The tech world may be excited, but mass consumers are not yet sold on the concept.

Apple’s brand power and ecosystem integration—iCloud, iOS, AirDrop, Continuity, and more—could tip the scales. A foldable iPhone that seamlessly connects with other Apple devices could give users a compelling reason to upgrade, even if they’ve been skeptical of foldables so far.

Enterprise and creative professionals may also find appeal in the extra screen space, especially if paired with Apple Pencil compatibility or macOS-style multitasking. In many ways, the foldable iPhone could end up replacing the need for an iPad Mini for certain use cases.

In summary, Apple isn’t just entering the foldable space—it’s attempting to redefine it. While the specs sound promising, execution and market reception will be key. If Apple delivers a crease-free, lightweight, and functionally superior foldable iPhone, it may turn the category from a gimmick into the next smartphone standard.

🔍 Fact Checker Results:

✅ Ming-Chi Kuo is a reliable source for Apple leaks and supply chain insights.
✅ Samsung Display is indeed a major supplier of foldable OLEDs and has capacity expansion plans.
❌ The \$2,500 price tag is speculative, not confirmed by Apple or Kuo directly.

📊 Prediction

Apple’s foldable iPhone, if executed with minimal compromises and deep ecosystem integration, could ignite mainstream interest in foldables for the first time. Expect high demand among early adopters and tech enthusiasts in 2026, with Apple potentially launching a second-generation model by 2028 with lower pricing and broader appeal. Foldables could represent 15–20% of iPhone sales by 2030 if trends hold.

References:

Reported By: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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