The tech world is buzzing with anticipation as rumors swirl about Apple’s potential entry into the foldable smartphone market. For years, speculation has hinted at the tech giant crafting a foldable iPhone, and now a fresh report from a trusted source suggests that this innovative device could hit the market as early as 2026.
Here’s what we know so far about Apple’s ambitious leap into the foldable niche, including its rumored design, timeline, and eye-watering cost.
A Foldable IPhone by 2026? The Latest Scoop
Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently shared intriguing details about Apple’s first foldable iPhone in a detailed report. According to Kuo, Apple is eyeing a launch window between late 2026 and early 2027 for this groundbreaking device.
This timeline positions Apple to join the ranks of foldable pioneers like Samsung and Google, who have already established a foothold with devices such as the Galaxy Z Fold series and the Pixel Fold.
Kuo’s report suggests that Apple’s foldable iPhone will adopt a “book-style” design, unfolding to reveal a larger inner screen, much like its Android counterparts. The outer display is expected to measure 5.5 inches, while the unfolded inner screen could expand to an impressive 7.8 inches.
Notably, Apple is rumored to aim for a “crease-free” design—an ambitious goal that could set it apart in a market where screen creases remain a common critique of foldable devices.
If this debut comes to fruition, it could reshape the smartphone landscape, bringing iOS into direct competition with Android’s foldable offerings and giving Apple fans a fresh way to experience their favorite ecosystem.
How Much Will It Cost?
Prepare your wallets—Apple’s foldable iPhone won’t come cheap. According to Kuo, the price is expected to fall between $2,000 and $2,500, potentially making it the most expensive iPhone ever released.
This premium pricing aligns with the cutting-edge technology and innovation Apple is known for, but it also reflects the high costs associated with foldable displays and the engineering required to achieve a slim, durable design.
For its initial launch, Apple is reportedly planning to produce between three and five million units. If demand holds strong, the company could ramp up production to 20 million units by the time a second-generation model arrives—an optimistic forecast that underscores Apple’s confidence in this new venture.
Foldable IPhones: From Myth To Reality?
Rumors of a foldable iPhone have circulated for years, with earlier speculation suggesting a possible 2025 release. However, as 2025 approaches with no foldable in sight, analysts have revised their predictions, pointing to 2026 as a more realistic target.
This delay may reflect Apple’s meticulous approach to product development, ensuring the device meets its famously high standards before hitting the market.
n the meantime, Apple isn’t sitting still. Reports indicate the company is working on the iPhone 17 Air, a slim experimental device slated for release later this year. This model could serve as a testing ground for technologies and designs that will eventually inform the foldable iPhone’s development. A thinner profile is crucial for foldables, and the iPhone 17 Air may be Apple’s stepping stone toward that goal.
What This Means for the Smartphone Industry
Apple’s entry into the foldable market could be a game-changer. With its loyal customer base and knack for polished execution, the company has the potential to elevate foldable smartphones from a niche category to a mainstream must-have. A “crease-free” display, if achieved, would address one of the biggest pain points of current foldables, while the integration of iOS could offer a seamless and intuitive user experience unrivaled by competitors.
For now, the foldable iPhone remains a tantalizing rumor, but Ming-Chi Kuo’s track record lends significant credibility to these claims. As we inch closer to 2026, all eyes will be on Apple to see if it can deliver a foldable device that lives up to the hype—and whether consumers are willing to shell out upwards of $2,000 for the privilege.
