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A New Era of Premium Foldables from Apple
Apple is finally preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market, but in classic Apple fashion, it’s doing so with a high price and a premium promise. According to top analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s first foldable iPhone could be priced around \$2,500 (roughly ₹2,17,500). This would make it one of the most expensive foldable devices on the market, surpassing Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 by nearly \$600. As Apple aims to redefine the high-end smartphone experience, expectations are mounting about what this groundbreaking device will offer — and how it might shake up the competition.
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Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is in the final development phase for the foldable iPhone and may also release another new iPhone design in 2026. Display industry expert Ross Young also supports the 2026 timeline and believes Apple’s involvement could spark a major boost in the sluggish foldable market — predicting up to 30% market growth after Apple’s release.
Interestingly, the foldable iPhone may bring back Touch ID via a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, likely due to Face ID limitations caused by the device’s thinness. Other features reportedly include a dual-camera setup, a titanium alloy frame, and a hybrid stainless steel–titanium hinge.
Apple’s production timeline suggests the final specs will be locked in by Q2 2025, with mass production starting in Q4 2026. Initial shipments will be limited — estimated at 3 to 5 million units — likely due to the complexity of manufacturing and quality control challenges.
The foldable iPhone has been in Apple’s pipeline for years, with patent filings dating back to 2014. Analysts suggest the device could be optimized for AI features, as its large screen supports multitasking like running an AI assistant alongside apps or maps — pointing toward a more immersive and intelligent user experience.
What Undercode Say:
Apple’s venture into the foldable smartphone market signals more than just a new form factor — it represents a strategic move to maintain its dominance in a maturing mobile space. With the broader smartphone industry facing saturation, innovation in form and function becomes critical. The foldable iPhone could be Apple’s bold attempt to redefine what a “smartphone” can be in an age increasingly influenced by AI, multitasking, and premium design expectations.
The \$2,500 price point might shock the average consumer, but for Apple’s loyal base, it could feel like a natural evolution. After all, Apple has successfully trained its audience to associate high price with unmatched quality, secure ecosystems, and exclusivity. This pricing strategy also allows Apple to protect its brand value while testing waters with early adopters, much like the original iPhone in 2007.
The design specs — crease-free inner display, premium materials like titanium alloy, and the reintroduction of Touch ID — hint that Apple isn’t just catching up to Samsung, but is aiming to leapfrog it in terms of durability, elegance, and user-centricity. The decision to bring back Touch ID likely caters to markets and use cases where Face ID falters (e.g., masks, different lighting environments), reinforcing Apple’s subtle yet intelligent adaptability.
Mass production starting in Q4 2026 with only 3–5 million units reflects Apple’s cautious and calculated approach. It’s not about volume — it’s about positioning. With a limited release, Apple can closely monitor feedback, adjust supply chain dynamics, and maintain exclusivity.
Moreover, by aligning the foldable device with AI functionalities — like advanced multitasking or smart assistant integration — Apple may be betting on the future of computing itself. Large screens are ideal for layered interaction models, from AI chat overlays to immersive split-screen navigation. That could mark the foldable iPhone as not just a phone, but as a transitional bridge toward Apple’s broader AI-powered ecosystem, including the Vision Pro, iPads, and beyond.
The biggest wildcard here is competition. If Samsung, Google, or emerging brands offer similarly powerful foldables at significantly lower prices, Apple might face pressure — though its brand gravity and ecosystem lock-in often override practical pricing concerns.
In short, Apple’s foldable isn’t just a flashy new product; it’s a chess move — one that combines form, function, and future-forward thinking to prepare its ecosystem for a post-smartphone world.
🔍 Fact Checker Results
✅ Ming-Chi Kuo and Ross Young are both reputable analysts with strong track records in Apple leaks.
✅ Apple patent filings for foldables date back to 2014, confirming long-term interest.
✅ Initial shipment estimate of 3–5 million units aligns with Apple’s typical approach to first-gen hardware experiments.
📊 Prediction
By the end of 2027, Apple’s foldable iPhone will likely lead the premium foldable segment globally, even if its overall market share remains modest. Expect rapid second-generation improvements by 2028 — thinner bezels, improved hinge durability, and seamless AI-OS integration — as Apple iterates its way to dominance in the foldable and AI-integrated mobile computing category.
References:
Reported By: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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