Foldable iPhone Speculations: All We’ve Learned Up to Now


The eagerly awaited foldable iPhone, potentially named the iPhone Fold, is expected to be launched soon. Tech aficionados and early adopters are already fond of foldable devices and have numerous options, but Apple has distinctly refrained from entering this sector. This trend is anticipated to shift in 2026 when Apple is rumored to unveil the iPhone Fold. Here’s what we’ve gathered about this upcoming addition to the iPhone series, including the most recent rumors and pricing information.

**When is the iPhone Fold set to be released?**

The iPhone Fold is projected to debut in 2026. As per the Chinese platform UDN (via MacRumors), the device is anticipated next year and will likely be named the iPhone Fold. Although this has not been verified, it offers reassurance to Apple supporters who worried about a possible delay until 2027.

Recent speculations indicate that Apple has requested approximately 11 million OLED panels from Samsung Display for its new foldable, which surpasses expectations. However, this information may be misleading as the initial report from the Korean source ET News has been retracted.

**What will the iPhone Fold’s price be, and will it attract buyers?**

The iPhone Fold is expected to come with a hefty price tag. Research analyst Arthur Liao anticipates the cost could hover around $2,399. This estimate aligns with a fresh report from International Data Corporation (IDC), which foresees Apple capturing a notable share of the foldable market in 2026, despite the steep price. The IDC analysis suggests that Apple could achieve over 22% unit share and 34% of the market value in its inaugural year, with an average price point of $2,400.

**What specifications can we expect for the iPhone Fold?**

The specifications of the iPhone Fold remain somewhat unclear, but we have a general idea. UDN indicates that the iPhone Fold may be creaseless, eliminating the visible line upon opening. Mashable highlighted insights from Apple journalist Mark Gurman, who proposed that the foldable iPhone would feature a book-style design with four cameras and incorporate Touch ID, even though iPhones usually rely on Face ID.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned that the iPhone Fold would likely possess a 7.8-inch inner display, a 5.5-inch outer display, and have a thickness ranging from 9 to 9.5mm. Another rumor from September suggested that the iPhone Fold would appear similar to two iPhone Airs fused together, with a thickness of 5.6mm. The variance could be attributable to the difference in thickness when folded versus unfolded.

Mashable’s Alex Perry contrasted the prospective specifications of the iPhone Fold with the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, which is bulkier and thicker. We are still anticipating official information, but if the latest rumors hold true, the wait shouldn’t be too long.