Apple’s foldable iPhone has been eagerly anticipated for quite some time, especially as most of its competitors have already launched flip or fold smartphones over the past few years. Like with many emerging tech categories—from smart rings to AI—Apple tends to enter later, leaving loyal fans who prefer an Apple-exclusive ecosystem waiting for its contribution. While details about the iPhone Fold’s launch in 2026 remain unconfirmed, the rumors provide some intriguing insights.
Apple Foldable iPhone Expected to Launch in 2026
Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo hinted on Twitter/X that Apple supplier Foxconn is slated to officially begin the iPhone Fold project in Q3 or early Q4 of 2025. This suggests production could start around September to November, allowing Apple roughly a year to prepare for a 2026 release, potentially alongside the iPhone 18 series next September.
Although Apple often introduces products throughout the year, the iPhone traditionally follows a consistent annual cycle, with September as the prime time for new model announcements.
More Details on the iPhone Fold from Kuo
Kuo mentioned that certain aspects of the iPhone Fold remain unsettled—highlighting the hinge mechanism as one area needing further refinement. However, the display is already finalized; Samsung Display (SDC) has reportedly started manufacturing 7 to 8 million foldable panels destined for the 2026 foldable iPhone.
He also revealed that Apple has placed orders for 15 to 20 million foldable iPhones, but clarified this figure reflects cumulative demand over the phone’s expected 2 to 3 year product lifecycle, not just 2026 shipments. This indicates Apple anticipates strong demand, despite the device’s premium price.
Speaking of price, rumors align with Kuo’s earlier estimates, suggesting the iPhone Fold could retail above $2,000 to $2,500, which fits Apple’s trend of premium pricing for its cutting-edge devices.
What Else is Known About Apple’s Folding iPhone?
While many picture a flip-style clamshell design when imagining a folding iPhone, rumors suggest Apple is opting for a book-style fold, similar to the Google Pixel Fold. Kuo has also stated the device will sport a 7.8-inch inner display paired with a 5.5-inch outer screen.
When folded, the iPhone Fold is expected to be between 9 and 9.5mm thick, thinning out to roughly 4.5 to 4.8mm when unfolded. This would make it slimmer than many rivals, though not the absolute thinnest—OPPO’s Find N5 holds that distinction at 8.93mm folded, despite packing a sizable 5600 mAh battery.
Additional rumors suggest the foldable iPhone will feature a dual rear camera setup, plus front-facing selfie cameras on both the inner and outer displays, rounding out the premium specs Apple fans expect.
