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As tech enthusiasts and Apple loyalists alike speculate about the next big thing in smartphones, the foldable iPhone is gaining traction. After years of rumors and patent filings, Apple appears to be inching closer to launching not just one, but two foldable devices—an 8-inch foldable iPhone and a massive 20-inch foldable iPad. With foldable tech maturing across the industry, Apple’s entry could reshape an otherwise slowing market.
Apple’s Foldable iPhone: Everything Known So Far
Form Factor and Screen Design
Apple’s first foldable iPhone will feature a book-style design, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold or Google’s Pixel Fold. It will include:
– 7.8-inch crease-free inner display
– 5.5-inch outer screen
- Nearly 4:3 aspect ratio on the inside (comparable to earlier iPad Mini screens)
This setup offers a more tablet-like experience when unfolded, paired with the convenience of a compact outer screen.
Hardware and Build Quality
Despite its slim build, the foldable iPhone will deliver premium engineering:
- Estimated 4.5mm thickness when open, 9mm when closed—Apple’s thinnest device to date.
- No Face ID due to thickness constraints; Touch ID likely embedded in the power button.
- Titanium alloy casing and steel-titanium hinge for durability.
Market Context
Foldable phones once experienced double-digit growth, with 40% annual increases from 2019 to 2023, but the trend is cooling:
– 5% growth projected in 2024
- 4% decline forecasted in 2025, with demand stagnating around 22 million units
Analysts believe Apple’s entry could rejuvenate interest and give the segment new momentum. The brand loyalty factor is especially powerful—many potential users remain loyal to the iPhone ecosystem despite curiosity about foldables.
Release Timeline
Apple is expected to unveil the foldable iPhone in the second half of 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 lineup. A new internal codename, V68, suggests it’s beyond the prototype stage.
Expected Price Point
The iPhone Fold won’t come cheap. Industry leaks peg its starting price between $2,100 and $2,300, placing it above current foldable rivals like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
What Undercode Say: Apple’s Foldable Ambition & the Market Impact
Apple’s rumored foray into foldables represents more than just a new product—it’s a strategic market intervention that could either revive or redefine an increasingly fatigued sector.
1. Design Philosophy Meets Innovation
Apple isn’t first to the foldable game, but it rarely is. The company’s approach historically revolves around refinement rather than experimentation. The rumored use of a crease-free 7.8-inch display, titanium alloys, and precision-engineered hinges implies Apple is focusing heavily on durability and aesthetics—two longstanding consumer concerns in foldables.
2. Hardware Trade-offs Signal Priorities
The exclusion of Face ID in favor of Touch ID is telling. Apple is prioritizing thinness and mechanical simplicity over biometric sophistication. This may irk some fans, but for early adopters, it’s a pragmatic compromise to balance performance with form factor.
3. The Pricing Dilemma
At a potential starting price of over $2,000, Apple is clearly positioning this as a luxury-tier device. Unlike Samsung and Google, which have tried to push foldables into mainstream territory, Apple is embracing a boutique angle. This could both limit market size and elevate consumer expectations for quality.
4. Catalyst in a Cooling Market
Apple’s entry might be the jolt the foldable segment desperately needs. The drop from 40% to 5% YoY growth, and predicted 4% shrinkage in 2025, suggests fatigue and saturation. However, Apple’s influence could reinvigorate OEM investment and reset the benchmark for what a foldable should be.
5. Software Experience: Apple’s Secret Weapon
While hardware dominates the headlines, the true difference-maker might be iPadOS-inspired features running on the foldable iPhone. Multitasking, split-screen apps, or even macOS-style productivity modes could bridge the gap between phone and tablet more effectively than Android has to date.
6. Ecosystem Synergy
Apple’s strength lies in its ecosystem. A foldable iPhone that integrates seamlessly with AirPods, MacBooks, iCloud, and Apple Watch will offer a cohesive experience that no Android OEM can replicate. That alone could sway hesitant buyers.
7. Manufacturing and Supply Chain Challenges
Building a reliable foldable device at scale is complex. Apple’s delayed launch timeline—likely 2026—suggests it’s being cautious. Issues like display longevity, hinge endurance, and software optimization are being worked out behind the scenes, especially with the high price tag at stake.
8. Brand Loyalty Will Drive Adoption
Many users are open to foldables but don’t want to switch ecosystems. Apple’s move caters to exactly this demographic: those intrigued by foldables but unwilling to leave iOS. That pent-up demand could result in strong initial sales, even if overall volume stays niche.
Fact Checker Results:
- Apple’s foldable device has indeed progressed past the prototyping phase as indicated by internal code name V68.
- Market growth rates cited from DSCC match recent trend reports showing slowdown in foldable adoption.
- Ming-Chi Kuo’s hardware predictions align with Apple’s historical focus on materials and minimalist design.
Would you like an infographic for the specs and timeline of Apple’s foldable iPhone?
References:
Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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