A new chapter in smartphone design is quietly unfolding. Apple is working on a foldable device that could break into the market by 2026. Reports suggest that this device might be called the iPhone Fold, with a design approach that blends innovation, simplicity, and a premium touch.
While competitors like Samsung and Google have already taken the foldable leap, Apple has remained patient, waiting for the right time and technology. Now, the pieces are falling into place, and the foldable iPhone is slowly coming to life. Unlike the flip-style design seen in some foldables, Apple’s model is expected to feature a book-style folding mechanism, allowing the phone to open like a small tablet.
When unfolded, the device could reveal a large 7.8-inch OLED display. The external screen is expected to be smaller, around 5.
5 inches, enough to handle everyday tasks without fully opening the phone. Apple seems to be putting serious thought into the design. While the crease in foldable displays has been a noticeable issue across other devices, Apple is rumored to be focusing on a unique hinge system and a display with almost no visible crease, possibly raising the bar for others.
The overall thickness also seems to matter here. When unfolded, the foldable iPhone might be as thin as 4.5 to 4.
8 mm, and around 9 to 9.5 mm when folded. That could make it one of the slimmest foldables yet.
Premium materials are also part of the plan. Apple might use titanium alloy for the hinge and a mix of stainless steel and titanium for the body. These choices reflect a focus on both strength and style.
Durability is key in foldable phones , and Apple appears committed to creating a long-lasting device. The tech inside the foldable iPhone is just as exciting. Instead of Face ID, the phone might come with a Touch ID sensor on the power button—a move to save space and keep the frame slim.
The battery is rumored to be around 5,000mAh, which would be a strong offering given the device’s expected screen size and power demands. A custom-built Apple C1 modem might be part of the device to improve connectivity and power management. This would align with Apple’s ongoing efforts to develop more hardware in-house.
The most striking part? The cost. Industry insiders suggest a starting price between $2,100 and $2,300, translating to ₹1.8 lakh to ₹2 lakh in India after import duties and taxes.
This would make it Apple’s most expensive smartphone ever and possibly the highest-priced foldable phone on the market. With a price tag like that, the foldable iPhone will likely remain a premium product for the first wave. Still, Apple’s move signals that foldables are more than a trend.
The market is evolving, and Apple is aiming to redefine foldable smartphone expectations. Launch timing has also drawn attention. Multiple reports hint at a September 2026 launch, possibly alongside the iPhone 18 lineup .
Some projections suggest production might begin in late 2026, meaning a launch window extending into early 2027 isn’t out of the question. Rumors continue to swirl about other features. A dual-camera system is likely, as is the use of a high-resolution OLED panel built by Samsung.
As always with Apple, the software is expected to complement the hardware perfectly, taking full advantage of the new folding form factor. Entering the foldable game at such a late stage does not denote any hesitation; rather, it implements speed refinement over speed. Entering a market with a more refined product is what the company usually does, rather than being the first to market; this foldable iPhone could be proof of that, bringing thoughtful design and a unique user experience.
Foldable devices still form a tiny portion of the market. But with Apple stepping in, that might change. A product with Apple's touch could change the public's interest, press other brands to innovate further, and finally make foldable devices more common.
No official confirmation is available yet, but anyone can clearly read the signs. Apple is coming out with a foldable iPhone. And if the leaks and reports are close to accurate, this one could set a completely new standard in the golden measure of foldable phone design.
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