Apple's Upcoming Foldable iPhone: What We Know So Far

Apple is stepping into the foldable phone market with a new device that promises to be unlike anything we’ve seen before. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently revealed his insights on the highly anticipated foldable iPhone, expected to launch in 2026. This phone will combine cutting-edge technology with a premium design and a hefty price tag, offering features that could revolutionize the foldable market. Here’s a summary of what we can expect from Apple’s bold entry into foldable smartphones.

Key Features and Specifications

Apple’s foldable iPhone, slated for release in 2026, is positioned as a high-end device with an eye-watering price that could exceed $2000. Kuo notes that the device will feature top-tier hardware specifications, including a display that won’t visibly crease when folded, a durable stainless steel and titanium alloy hinge, and a slim 4.5mm casing when unfolded. Despite this sleek design, Face ID will likely be absent in favor of a capacitive side button featuring Touch ID.

The iPhone is expected to adopt a folding book design with an inner display of about 7.8 inches and a smaller 5.5-inch outer display. This will give it a form factor similar to an iPad mini when unfolded. The device will be one of the first foldables to feature an invisible crease, reinforcing its premium status. Apple is also working on a foldable MacBook/iPad, with a larger 18-inch display using similar technology.

In terms of cameras, the foldable iPhone will have two rear lenses and a front-facing camera that will be accessible in both folded and unfolded states. The device will be slim, measuring just 4.5mm when unfolded and 9.5mm when folded. While this isn’t the thinnest foldable on the market, it is significantly slimmer than competitors like Samsung’s foldables, which are usually around 12mm thick when folded.

Kuo anticipates limited initial production, with mass production starting in late 2025, and shipments reaching 3-5 million units by 2026. The foldable iPhone’s second generation is expected to go on sale in 2027, with an estimated total of 20 million units sold by the end of 2027.

What Undercode Says:

Apple’s foldable iPhone is shaping up to be a game-changer, not just because it is entering the foldable market but due to how it’s addressing several key challenges faced by other devices. The use of an invisible crease and premium materials like titanium and stainless steel reflects Apple’s commitment to providing a premium user experience.

The decision to exclude Face ID and rely on Touch ID might seem like a step backward, but it makes sense given the technical constraints posed by the thin design. By integrating a capacitive side button for biometric authentication, Apple will still offer a seamless security experience. This may also be a strategic move to differentiate the foldable iPhone from other models that rely on more traditional Face ID or fingerprint sensors.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this foldable iPhone is its display. While foldable phones have struggled with visible creases in their displays, Apple seems poised to solve this problem with its “invisible crease” technology. This will not only enhance the aesthetics of the device but also improve the overall user experience, especially when using the screen in unfolded mode.

The device’s foldable form factor, similar to a book, could also offer significant advantages for productivity, allowing users to take advantage of the larger 7.8-inch screen when needed. However, the smaller 5.5-inch outer display might limit its utility when the phone is closed, leaving users to question whether the dual-screen setup can strike the right balance.

Apple’s focus on a foldable MacBook/iPad with an 18-inch display is also worth noting. If they can replicate the same innovations in foldable technology in larger devices, it could set Apple apart from competitors and help the company expand its foldable ecosystem. The potential for foldable devices across multiple product categories is enormous, with Apple well-positioned to lead the way.

That being said, there are a few concerns to consider. The foldable phone market is still nascent, with many companies struggling to create truly reliable and durable foldable devices. Apple’s first-generation foldable iPhone may face teething issues that will require fine-tuning in future iterations. The price point will also likely limit its adoption to early adopters and tech enthusiasts, making it crucial for Apple to prove the durability and longevity of this innovative design.

In terms of market impact, Apple’s entrance into the foldable space could push other companies to innovate more quickly. If the first-generation foldable iPhone exceeds expectations, it will not only set new standards for foldable devices but could make Apple the leader in a market that is still in its infancy.

Fact Checker Results

Pricing: Kuo’s projection of a $2000+ price tag is in line with Apple’s premium pricing strategy for high-end devices.
Display: Claims about an “invisible crease” are plausible given Apple’s history of solving tough hardware challenges.
Production and Sales Estimates: The initial limited production forecast of 3-5 million units in 2026 is a reasonable estimate given the complexity of the foldable design.

References:

Reported By: https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/06/apples-first-foldable-iphone-may-feature-crease-free-display-but-lacks-face-id-and-cost-more-than-2000/
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