Apple may launch first foldable phone by 2026: Check expected specs, price and more

Apple

Apple may finally be ready to jump into the foldable phone race—and it could happen as soon as 2026. According to well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is preparing to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026, possibly as part of the iPhone 18 lineup.

Kuo says that Apple supplier Foxconn is likely to begin production of the device by late September or early October 2025. While some details are still being finalized, the foldable display is already confirmed and will be made by Samsung Display, a leading player in the foldable screen market.

So, what can we expect from Apple’s foldable iPhone?

Rumors suggest that the phone will have a 5.5-inch display when folded and a much larger 7.8-inch screen when opened up—similar to the Galaxy Fold design rather than the Flip-style clamshell. It’s expected to fold like a book, offering users a tablet-like experience in a compact form.

What makes this foldable stand out is how thin it could be. Reports say it may be just 4.5mm thick when unfolded, and around 9 to 9.5mm when closed. Apple has reportedly spent a lot of time perfecting the hinge to make sure the crease in the middle is almost invisible—something even top rivals haven’t fully nailed yet.

As for features, the device may include under-display cameras and could skip Face ID for a Touch ID system, possibly due to space limitations. And yes—it’s going to be pricey. Estimates put the price between $2,000 and $2,500, making it one of Apple’s most expensive devices yet.

While there’s still over a year to go, the buzz around Apple’s foldable phone has officially begun.