Illustration of a wide, squat foldable iPhone design with a nearly invisible crease, next to a standard iPhone for comparison.
Illustration of a wide, squat foldable iPhone design with a nearly invisible crease, next to a standard iPhone for comparison.

The iPhone Fold could reshape how people think about smartphones, useful context for a colleague or friend following tech trends.

Apple’s Foldable iPhone: What We Know Story flow and key facts

Apple is reportedly on track to release its first foldable iPhone in late 2026, potentially under the name iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra. Unlike the tall, narrow designs from Samsung and Google, early leaks and analyst predictions suggest Apple’s version will be wider and more squat, resembling the original Google Pixel Fold. The device is expected to feature a 7.8-inch inner display with little to no visible crease, a major technical challenge that Apple may have solved using advanced adhesives and possibly bendable glass from Corning. Rumors point to a book-style fold that opens like a tablet, with a 5.5-inch outer screen and a hinge made of liquid metal or titanium alloy.

Specs remain unconfirmed, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts the phone will include 12GB of RAM, a 5,500-mAh battery — the largest in any iPhone to date — and a dual-camera setup. Due to space constraints, Face ID may be replaced with Touch ID integrated into the side button. The device is expected to launch alongside or instead of the iPhone 18 series, possibly in September 2026, though some reports suggest delays could push the release into 2027.

Pricing is expected to be steep, between $2,000 and $2,500, reflecting Apple’s premium positioning. Despite foldables making up a small fraction of global phone sales, IDC analysts predict a 19% market jump if Apple enters the space, capturing about 24% of the foldable market share. Apple has long held back, reportedly dissatisfied with early screen durability and crease visibility, but recent patents and supply chain developments suggest those hurdles may now be cleared.

Facts

  • Rumors suggest Apple’s foldable iPhone could launch as early as September 2026.
  • The device is expected to be a wide, book-style foldable with a 7.8-inch inner display and minimal crease.
  • Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts a price between $2,000 and $2,500.
  • Leaks indicate the phone may use 12GB of RAM and a 5,500-mAh battery, the largest in any Apple handset.
  • Face ID may be replaced with Touch ID due to space constraints in the foldable design.
  • Apple has reportedly overcome crease issues with advanced adhesives and is preparing for production.

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