iPhone Fold to launch in 2026: Everything we know so far about the first Apple foldable iPhone
Apple is preparing to launch its first foldable iPhone. According to rumors and leaks, the iPhone Fold will launch in 2026 with a crease-free titanium design.
After years of speculation and leaks, it looks like 2026 could finally be the year the foldable iPhone sees the light of day. iPhone Fold rumors have been circulating for years, but now several credible reports are emerging. While Apple has remained tight-lipped, reliable insiders including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have been steadily revealing details of what to expect. And if the leaks are accurate, this device could blend the portability of an iPhone with the multitasking capability of an iPad, all wrapped in an ultra-premium titanium shell.
iPhone Fold launch: Expected features and specifications
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s first foldable will have a book-style design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold, rather than the clamshell-style Galaxy Z Flip. This means it will open up like a small tablet, giving users two displays, a 5.5-inch external screen for everyday use and a larger 7.8-inch internal display that folds into an iPad-style experience. Another report from The Information suggests slightly different dimensions, with a 5.3-inch external screen and a 7.7-inch internal panel, but both agree that Apple’s foldable will be as compact as it is immersive.
Perhaps most impressive is that Apple is reportedly aiming for a crease-free display. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that the company has solved the problem that has plagued almost every foldable smartphone to date. He says the secret lies in a metal plate system that relieves stress when the screen bends, paired with liquid metal hinges for durability. Chinese site UDN says Apple’s foldable will be “the first crease-free foldable smartphone on the market.”
In terms of build quality, don’t expect anything less than Apple’s best. The chassis is said to be made of titanium, with the hinge made from a blend of titanium and stainless steel for strength and flexibility. Kuo says Apple is using the same titanium alloy that gives the new iPhone Air its lightweight durability.
Camera-wise, Bloomberg and Kuo report a quad-camera system, consisting of two 48-megapixel rear lenses, a front-facing camera, and an internal under-display camera that can be used when unfolded. The camera of the external display is reportedly placed in the top-left corner, while the under-screen lens ensures that the internal display remains uninterrupted.
Interestingly, Face ID may not be available in this model. Instead, Apple is expected to use the same Touch ID side button as the iPad Air and iPad mini, which will save precious space inside the already complex hinge design.
Connectivity will be handled by Apple’s second-generation C2 modem, another step away from Qualcomm chips. According to Gurman, the device will ditch the SIM card slot entirely and rely on eSIM connectivity. Under the hood, a high-density battery cell and a slimmed-down display driver are expected to extend battery life despite the dual-screen setup.
At the moment, Apple is testing black and white color options with suppliers, though more finishes may appear closer to launch.
iPhone Fold: Estimated price and launch date
As expected, Apple’s first foldable won’t come cheap. Industry reports suggest a price range between $2,000 and $2,500, making it the most expensive iPhone to date. Analysts at UBS and Fubon Research believe Apple could settle for between $1,800 and $2,399, though even that would put it firmly in the ultra-premium bracket. In India, the price range of $1800 to $2000 translates to approximately Rs 1,54,900 to Rs 1,72,000. However, given Apple’s track record, the final price in India is likely to be even higher due to import duties and taxes.
Gurman believes Apple is targeting a launch in 2026, in line with the company’s normal iPhone release cycle. However, Japan’s Mizuho Securities warned of a potential delay to 2027 if Apple continues to refine key design elements like the hinge.
Despite the uncertainty, anticipation for the iPhone Fold is skyrocketing. If Apple delivers on the promise of durable, crease-free design with the polish the brand is known for, it could redefine what a premium smartphone looks like, and, perhaps, how it turns out.
