Apple is finally beating your iPhone. The rumor is that it plans to bring its first iPhone fold in late 2026 or early 2027. While there is no official confirmation, leaks and rumors already paint a good enough photo of the alleged iPhone fold. For example, the iPhone fold is estimated to follow a book-style fold instead of flip-style. In addition, the phone is also set to facilitate exceptionally slim design. But all this on one side, the first question that comes to mind is: How will you fold in Apple lineup?

Apple is following a four-variant lineup for a long period. For example, this year, the company launched the iPhone 16 (standard model), Plus, Pro and Pro Max. For just perspective, last year Apple also introduced a new model called iPhone 16E (review). And now leaks suggest that it will follow the same 4 model line-ups for the iPhone 17 series, but with a twitter. The iPhone 17 series will replace the plus model with an air model. Why is there so much discussion around it? The air of the iPhone 17 is expected to be the thinnest phone in Apple-Vers, thanks to 6.25 mm.

But this four-model lineup may soon end with the iPhone 18. The iPhone 18 lineup can look like this: iPhone 18, 18 Air, 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max and iPhone 18 fold.

When will the iPhone fold be launched?

Apple has allegedly entered the introduction (NPI) phase for its opening qualified equipment, according to the insight shared by Analyst Analyst Jeff Pu. In development, two products are considered a foldable iPhone and a foldable iPad. Although the rumors around foldable Apple devices have been broadcast for years, now it seems that the company is making tangible progress towards bringing them to the market.

Does this process come out without significant failures, mass production is expected to start in the latter half of 2026, for a possible launch either to the end of that year or at a point in 2027.

iPhone fold: What do you expect?

According to Mark Gurman’s report, Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone is expected to adopt a book-style form factor, which is like Samsung’s Galaxy Z fold, instead of choosing for a lameshell design. Gurman also notes that this foldable iPhone will include many of the same techniques set to debut in high anticipated, ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air.

Leak and industry cutter suggests that the device will claim an internal performance of 7.8 inch when the phone is disclosed, with a 5.5 -inch outer screen for use when the phone closes. Analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu, with leikar digital chat station, also reported that Apple has now locked in major hardware decisions, including fold-out, book-style designs.

In order to improve durability and deal with screen issues, the common in foldable handsets, Apple is asked to use liquid metal for the Kaj mechanism. This alloy, which was previously employed in small components such as SIM Easeer Tools, is known for its strength and flexibility, which can help increase the lifespan of the device.

The foldable iPhone is rumored to be remarkably thinner – just when 4.5 mm is open and closes between 9 mm and 9.5 mm – it is between the thinnest foldables in the market. To preserve the internal location and achieve this streamlined profile, Apple may leave face ID and integrate the touch ID in the power button instead. The handset also provides the facility of titanium frame, which increases its premium appeal.

Another leak shows that Apple’s foldable iPhone can be equipped with a dual-lens rear camera system, as well as both folded cameras as well as both folded and accessible in unfolded mode.

Apple has also been estimated to bring this device to the market as an AI-concentrated smartphone, raising multitasking capabilities and capitalization on expansive performance to provide more immersive experience with AI-operated features and applications.
While all this looks promising, one must remember that Apple has not unveiled its plans yet. And since these details are based on leaks and rumors, they are intelligent to provoke them with a pinch of salt.

iPhone fold: price expectations

Apple’s debut foldable iPhone has been tipped to come for some time in the end of 2026 and early 2027, but it will definitely not be cheap. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the device may be launched with an initial price of more than $ 2,000 (about Rs 1,74,000). If this is an estimated cost for the US market, Indian consumers can expect a uniform price tag with the general pricing strategy of Apple in the region.

Currently, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 begins at Rs 1,64,999, already a figure seen by many people. However, this may soon look modest than that Apple’s foldable starts.