For years, rumors of a foldable iPhone have sparked excitement and skepticism in equal measure. Once optimistically projected to arrive as early as 2020, the elusive device now looks more likely to debut in late 2026, according to multiple reports and industry insiders.
Apple’s foldable device, sometimes referred to as the iPhone Fold or iPhone Flip, has faced repeated delays since speculation began in 2018. Sources including The Information, The Wall Street Journal, Ming-Chi Kuo, and Mark Gurman suggest that the final design and specifications will be locked down by mid-2025, with mass production scheduled for late 2026.
This timeline was recently bolstered by Samsung Display president Lee Cheong, who confirmed his company is supplying foldable OLED panels to a “North American client” for mass production in 2026—a strong hint at Apple.
Design Prototypes and Dimensions
Apple has reportedly tested both clamshell-style flip phones and the larger book-style foldable designs. More recent leaks suggest the company will favour a vertical book fold, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series.
The hinge is expected to be a standout feature, potentially utilising materials like titanium alloy and LiquidMetal. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims Apple has developed a sophisticated system using metal plates to distribute bending stress, which is intended to significantly reduce or eliminate the visible crease.
In terms of size, reports indicate the foldable iPhone will feature a large 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.5-inch external screen. The device may achieve an ultra-slim profile, measuring around 9.5mm when folded and potentially just 4.5mm when unfolded—making it remarkably thinner than many current competitors. For reference, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 8.5mm thick.
Expected Features and Price Tag
While precise specifications remain fluid, the device will likely carry Apple’s future A20 or A20 Pro chip, paired with in-house cellular and wireless components.
Interestingly, due to its ultra-thin design, the foldable iPhone may skip Face ID. Instead, Touch ID is rumoured to be integrated into the power button. The device is also expected to feature two rear cameras and dual front-facing cameras to support use in both folded and unfolded modes. Apple is also anticipated to tailor iOS 27 (set to launch in 2026) with features designed specifically for the folding form factor.
The foldable iPhone will launch as an ultra-premium product. Analysts project a high price tag between $2,000 and $2,299, nearly double the cost of the current iPhone Pro Max model. Production numbers are expected to be limited initially, with wider availability predicted by 2027.
If launched as planned, the folding iPhone would mark Apple’s most radical design shift since the introduction of the original iPhone in 2007. Given the long wait, are you excited enough to pay a premium for the iPhone Fold?
