Apple’s $2,500 Foldable iPhone: What to Expect from the Tech Giant’s Boldest Move Yet

Apple’s Entry into the Foldables Game: A New Era Begins

Apple’s long-awaited debut in the foldable smartphone market is set to shake the industry — and your wallet. Slated for a late 2026 release, Apple’s first foldable iPhone is rumored to carry a steep price tag of around \$2,500 (₹2,17,500). This would make it significantly more expensive than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, which is expected to retail for roughly \$600 less.

The upcoming foldable iPhone will feature a book-style design with a 7.8-inch inner crease-free display and a 5.5-inch outer screen. The device will reportedly measure 9–9.5mm when folded, and a surprisingly slim 4.5–4.8mm when unfolded — marking Apple’s emphasis on sleek engineering.

Development of this innovative model appears to be complete. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman confirms that Apple is “finishing up development” of the foldable, and intriguingly hints at another redesigned iPhone launching in 2026, though its form remains a mystery.

Display analyst Ross Young aligns with the timeline and predicts Apple’s entrance will reignite growth in the somewhat stagnant foldables market. He estimates over 30% market growth post-launch, highlighting Apple’s influence in shaping consumer tech trends.

An exciting twist to the story is the possible return of Touch ID, this time as a side button, likely due to technical constraints that may rule out Face ID. The foldable will sport a dual-lens camera, titanium alloy body, and a robust hinge system built from stainless steel and titanium — a premium build to match its premium price.

Production is expected to ramp up after Apple finalizes the device specs in Q2 2025, with mass production kicking off in Q4 2026. The initial shipment volume is expected to be limited to 3–5 million units, indicating production challenges and a strategy to maintain exclusivity.

Interestingly, Apple has been preparing for this moment for over a decade, with patent filings for foldable tech going as far back as 2014. What’s more, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple is aligning the foldable iPhone with AI integration, envisioning the larger display as a multitasking hub — imagine using Maps and talking to Siri’s smarter sibling at the same time.

What Undercode Say:

Apple’s venture into foldable smartphones isn’t just a new product — it’s a strategic gamble that could reshape an entire segment of the mobile industry. At \$2,500, Apple is clearly not aiming for mass market appeal right away. Instead, this device looks like a luxury tech statement, built for early adopters, loyalists, and professionals who see smartphones as productivity tools as much as communication devices.

From a product design standpoint, Apple appears to be addressing some of the major pain points of foldables today — such as the notorious crease and clunky form factor. A crease-free inner screen and incredibly thin unfolded profile show the company’s obsession with refinement. This isn’t surprising, but it is impressive.

Touch ID returning is also a subtle but impactful change. Apple may be acknowledging that Face ID struggles in edge-case usage scenarios, especially when packing so much tech into a slim foldable chassis. This hints at a pragmatic approach, rather than pure innovation for show.

What makes this even more fascinating is the role of AI. Apple, often seen as lagging behind in AI chatter compared to Google or Microsoft, might be using the larger foldable screen as the perfect gateway to deliver more immersive AI interactions. Imagine side-by-side chat interfaces, voice assistants offering contextual insights while navigating — all native to iOS.

However, the pricing may limit its adoption. At \$2,500, Apple isn’t chasing Samsung or Huawei — it’s setting itself apart. This device could function more like a tech concept car: limited production, ultra-premium materials, groundbreaking features. This strategy often raises consumer expectations and shapes market trends, even if sales volumes stay low initially.

It’s also telling that Apple is only planning 3–5 million units for 2026. That’s a cautious bet, even for Apple. It reflects the complexity of the manufacturing process, as well as the company’s characteristic conservatism with entirely new form factors.

All signs point to 2026 being a pivotal year for Apple. The rumored second iPhone redesign — separate from the foldable — suggests the company could split its iPhone lineup in a way similar to how it treats the iPhone SE and Pro Max lines now, but more radical.

In sum, Apple’s foldable could be less about chasing current market leaders and more about redefining the space entirely. If Apple succeeds in making the foldable iPhone not just premium but practically useful, it could reignite excitement in a segment that has, so far, underwhelmed.

🔍 Fact Checker Results:

✅ Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reliably forecast Apple’s roadmap, especially hardware specs.
✅ Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and Ross Young independently verify the 2026 release timeline.
✅ Patent filings by Apple regarding foldables do date back to 2014.

📊 Prediction:

Apple’s foldable iPhone will not just reshape the high-end foldable market — it will create a new category of productivity-focused AI-powered smartphones. With a launch expected in Q4 2026 and limited production, the first model could become a collector’s item. Expect Apple to use this device as a launchpad for a new wave of AI-first iPhones, with richer multitasking, new OS adaptations, and possibly even iPad-level software experiences — all within your pocket.