After years of speculation, Apple is finally getting ready to enter the foldable phone market. The company is reportedly developing not one but two foldable devices—a foldable iPhone and a massive 20-inch foldable iPad. According to multiple sources, the iPhone will arrive first, with a launch window set for the second half of 2026.
Apple foldable iPhone will feature dual displays and no visible crease
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to use a book-style design, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 or the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The outer display will reportedly measure around 5.5 inches, while the inner, unfolded screen will stretch to roughly 7.8 inches.
What sets Apple’s version apart? Analysts say the foldable iPhone will have a crease-free inner display, a notable upgrade over the visible folds seen in current Android rivals. The inner screen is expected to carry a near 4:3 aspect ratio—comparable to an older iPad mini—making it more tablet-like in feel when opened.
Apple Smart Glasses will use Apple Intelligence to deliver real-time info without full AR, challenging Meta’s lead in the wearables race.
Foldable iPhone will be Apple’s thinnest device yet
According to supply chain expert Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s foldable iPhone will measure just 4.5mm when open and 9mm folded. For context, the 13-inch iPad Pro comes in at 5.1mm—making the foldable iPhone Apple’s slimmest hardware to date.
This ultra-thin design comes with trade-offs. Face ID is unlikely to make the cut due to internal space constraints. Instead, Apple will reportedly bring back Touch ID via a side-mounted button. The hinge will be built using stainless steel and titanium alloy, while the main body will use full titanium—a spec that screams premium from every angle.
Apple may revive interest in a cooling foldable market
While the foldable phone segment saw explosive growth from 2019 to 2023, recent projections suggest a slowdown. Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) expects foldable smartphone panel shipments to grow just 5% in 2024—and actually decline by 4% in 2025.
However, analysts believe Apple could be the catalyst the category needs. With loyal iPhone users hesitant to leave the ecosystem, Apple’s entry may finally shift the needle—offering a foldable that doesn’t require switching to Android.
Premium price point expected for foldable iPhone
Apple rarely enters new categories without aiming for the high end, and the foldable iPhone will be no exception. Early leaks suggest the device will be priced between $2,100 and $2,300, putting it above current Android foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
The premium pricing reflects Apple’s strategy: deliver a best-in-class device that justifies the tag through build quality, ecosystem integration, and exclusivity.
Foldable iPhone release targeted for late 2026
Apple has reportedly assigned the internal codename V68 to the foldable iPhone project, indicating it has advanced beyond the prototype phase. Barring any major delays, the device is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 lineup in late 2026.
It’s been a long wait, but Apple’s first foldable finally feels within reach. Now the question is whether it will reshape the foldable market—or just raise the price bar even higher.
