Apple’s First Foldable iPhone May Arrive in 2026 — But at a $2,500 Shock Price

As the global smartphone market inches towards innovation saturation, Apple is once again poised to disrupt the landscape. According to recent reports, the tech giant is preparing to launch its first foldable iPhone in late 2026. But this isn’t just another foldable phone—it’s expected to arrive with a jaw-dropping price tag of approximately \$2,500, setting a new benchmark in the premium mobile category. Analysts believe this move could redefine the foldable market and accelerate the integration of AI-powered features into daily smartphone use.

Apple’s $2,500 Foldable: Features, Design, and Production Insights

Apple’s first foldable iPhone, as reported by well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, is expected to hit the market in late 2026. Positioned as a luxury device, it will retail for around \$2,500—roughly \$600 more than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6. This suggests Apple is targeting high-end consumers who prioritize design, ecosystem integration, and premium functionality.

The foldable iPhone will adopt a book-style folding mechanism with a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch external screen. Notably, the design will be crease-free—something even top competitors haven’t fully perfected. Folded, the phone will measure around 9–9.5mm in thickness; unfolded, it will slim down to an ultra-thin 4.5–4.8mm. These numbers hint at a focus on sleekness and portability despite the device’s dual-display format.

Apple has reportedly completed the developmental phase. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman confirms the project is nearing completion, with final specs expected to be locked in by Q2 2025. In addition, Gurman teases another distinct iPhone model for 2026, which remains shrouded in secrecy.

According to display expert Ross Young, Apple’s debut will be a game-changer. He anticipates Apple’s market entry will reignite consumer interest in foldables, predicting over 30% market growth in the category after launch. This sentiment reflects Apple’s historical impact on emerging markets, from wearables to tablets.

In a nostalgic twist, the foldable iPhone might bring back Touch ID as a side-mounted button, likely due to engineering challenges with implementing Face ID in a foldable form. The phone will feature a titanium alloy casing, a stainless steel and titanium hinge, and a dual-lens rear camera system. These materials align with Apple’s premium design ethos and durability expectations.

Initial production volumes are estimated at 3–5 million units for 2026. Though modest, this aligns with Apple’s cautious approach to first-generation devices. Early models are expected to serve as both proof-of-concept and high-status tech.

Interestingly, patent filings for foldable technology at Apple trace back to 2014. The device is also being touted as a key player in Apple’s AI strategy. Kuo mentions that larger screens, like those in foldables, enhance multitasking experiences—think simultaneous AI assistant chats and map navigation.

What Undercode Say:

Apple’s leap into the foldable market isn’t just about catching up with competitors—it’s about redefining the game. While Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola have laid the groundwork, Apple’s strategy appears fundamentally different. Instead of chasing market share, Apple is crafting a high-end experience intended to blend AI, design, and function in a way no other brand can.

The \$2,500 price point may seem outrageous at first glance. However, Apple has consistently proven that premium pricing doesn’t deter its loyal user base. Remember the skepticism around the \$999 iPhone X or the \$3,500 Vision Pro? Those products ultimately set trends and defined categories. Apple understands that owning a first-gen foldable iPhone won’t just be about utility—it will be a status symbol.

From a design perspective, Apple’s focus on achieving a crease-free display and ultra-slim dimensions suggests the company is addressing the biggest complaints in current foldables: fragility, bulkiness, and visible creases. Using a titanium alloy case and a hybrid hinge made of stainless steel and titanium is another signal that Apple is prioritizing durability for a long-lasting experience.

The inclusion of Touch ID hints at Apple’s broader design philosophy: don’t force technology into a form factor where it doesn’t fit. Unlike rivals who struggle to embed under-display sensors, Apple may choose a more practical solution with side-mounted Touch ID—an elegant nod to its older iPhone SE models.

AI integration also plays a central role. The foldable iPhone isn’t just about form—it’s a strategic enabler for Apple’s expanding AI ecosystem. With larger screen real estate, users could effortlessly multitask—chat with Siri, analyze documents, and engage in content creation in split-screen modes. This isn’t just a device—it’s an AI-powered productivity hub.

The 3–5 million unit production run shows that Apple is cautious yet confident. It knows early adopters will test the waters and provide crucial feedback for future iterations. This limited rollout mirrors the approach taken with the first Apple Watch and Vision Pro—both of which later gained broader traction.

One potential challenge is competition. Samsung has years of experience in this category, and by 2026, its foldables will be far more refined. But Apple isn’t trying to out-spec Samsung—it’s offering a different kind of experience rooted in ecosystem integration, software excellence, and prestige.

If Apple can deliver a foldable that feels like a natural extension of the iPhone experience—without the quirks seen in current foldables—it may not just join the foldable race but lead it entirely. And with Apple’s track record, few would bet against them.

🔍 Fact Checker Results

✅ Ming-Chi Kuo and Ross Young both have consistent and verified track records in Apple supply chain leaks.
✅ Apple’s patents for foldables date back over a decade, confirming long-term development interest.
✅ The predicted \$2,500 price tag is speculative but aligned with Apple’s premium-first strategy.

📊 Prediction

If Apple’s 2026 foldable iPhone matches expectations, it will not only revive the sluggish foldable segment but also influence design norms for the next decade. Expect a ripple effect across Android OEMs, a rapid rise in foldable-focused apps, and deeper AI experiences being normalized in mobile computing. By 2027, foldables could finally move from niche luxury to mainstream relevance—with Apple leading the charge.