iPhone Fold: Expected launch date, design, India price and everything else we know so far
Apple is reportedly planning to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026, with leaks suggesting a crease-free display, Samsung-made OLED panels, next-generation Apple silicon, and an experience more like using an iPad than a traditional smartphone.
Apple is planning to launch its first foldable device in 2026 – at least that’s what leaks and analysts suggest. According to multiple reports, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is targeting a 2026 launch window for its first foldable iPhone, widely known as the iPhone Fold along with the iPhone 18 Pro. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone is said to hit the launch cycle next year in early 2027.
Although nothing has been officially confirmed by Apple, speculations have run rampant. Leaks have already started to hint at what the new iPhone Fold could bring – including a book-style design, a Samsung-made OLED display, Apple’s next-generation chipset, and a capable camera system, all available at an ultra-premium price range. So, let’s take a look at everything we know so far about Apple’s upcoming foldable.
iPhone Fold specifications: Rumored display, camera, processor and more
Although official specifications are still under wraps, leaks are starting to paint a clearer picture of what Apple is planning. So far, reports suggest that Apple is leaning towards a book-style foldable design, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, rather than a clamshell flip phone.
The iPhone Fold is expected to have two displays, a 5.5-inch external screen for everyday use and a 7.8-inch internal display that opens up into a compact tablet-like experience. With these dimensions, Apple is said to aim to combine the convenience of a phone with the productivity of an iPad.
As The Elec reports, the internal foldable display of the foldable iPhone uses a Samsung-made OLED technology called CoE (Color Filter on Encapsulation), which is designed to improve durability and reduce creasing. The external display will likely support the same high refresh rates and brightness levels seen on recent Pro iPhones.
On the camera front, the iPhone Fold is expected to come with a multi-camera setup, likely similar to Apple’s Pro models. This could mean a triple rear camera system with wide, ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. Apple may also include two front-facing cameras, one for the external screen and one for the internal display, as seen on other foldables in the Android segment. That said, there are also reports suggesting a simpler camera setup, so only time will tell.
Under the hood, the iPhone Fold will almost certainly run on Apple’s next-generation A-series chip, which is expected to be the A20 or A19Pro. The new chipset should deliver flagship-level performance while efficiently handling multitasking features specifically designed for larger, foldable displays.
Sustainability will be another major focus. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple wants to provide the first crease-free foldable smartphone. To achieve this, the iPhone Fold may feature a liquid metal hinge system, a reinforced metal plate beneath the display, and a titanium chassis. The hinge itself may use a titanium-stainless steel alloy, putting strength and longevity at the center of Apple’s foldable strategy.
Meanwhile, the iPhone Fold is expected to support full 5G connectivity, including mmWave, in select markets. It will also run the latest version of iOS at launch, with new software features designed specifically for foldable screens. These could include better split-screen multitasking, better drag-and-drop support, and smoother app scaling – bringing the iPhone experience closer to the iPad.
How much will the iPhone Fold cost?
As far as price is concerned, the iPhone Fold is definitely expected to have a premium price. Analysts at UBS and Fubon Research estimate that the price of the phone in the US could be between $1,800 to $2,399. Some estimates put its price closer to $2,500, which would make it the most expensive iPhone ever.
In India, the iPhone Fold may launch around Rs 1,54,900 to Rs 1,72,000, although the final price may be higher after taxes and import duties are added. If these figures hold true, the iPhone Fold will sit firmly in the ultra-premium category.
When will iPhone Fold be launched?
Right now, most leaks point to a September 2026 launch, in line with Apple’s traditional iPhone release cycle. However, Apple is known to delay products if they do not meet its quality standards. According to Japan-based Mizuho Securities, the launch could be pushed to early 2027 if Apple needs more time to refine the hinge or display technology.
Keep in mind that all this information about the iPhone Fold is still speculation, based entirely on leaks and analyst reports, with nothing confirmed by Apple yet. Still, with a launch widely rumored in 2026, it certainly feels like something big is about to happen, and Apple may finally be ready to move into the foldable smartphone category.
