• Source:JND

Apple's long-rumoured foldable iPhone may finally be moving from concept to reality, according to multiple reports. Apple plans on entering the foldable smartphone market by 2026 – marking an ambitious and cost-cutting move by Apple that may bring about its most ambitious and expensive phone yet! Sources indicate development for what may become known as the Apple iPhone Fold has already completed and mass production could begin as early as late 2025. If accurate, this would make this Apple's most ambitious and costly device yet.

Apple iPhone Fold Specifications (Expected)

Reports suggest that Apple’s first foldable iPhone will adopt a book-style folding design, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, but with Apple’s signature refinement and premium build.

Category

Details (Expected)

Design

Book-style inward folding design

Outer Display

~5.5-inch AMOLED display

Inner Display

~7.8-inch foldable OLED panel

Thickness

9–9.5 mm (folded), 4.5–4.8 mm (unfolded)

Frame & Build

Titanium alloy frame with liquid-metal hinge components

Rear Cameras

Dual-lens setup

Front Cameras

Two front-facing cameras (one on each screen)

Authentication

Side-mounted Touch ID sensor

Connectivity

Apple C2 modem with advanced 5G support

SIM Support

eSIM-only (no physical SIM slot)

Display Tech

Reduced crease visibility with improved OLED layering

Software

Optimised version of iOS for foldable UI experience

Apple is reportedly investing heavily in durability, using titanium and stainless steel components to reinforce the hinge and prevent wear over time. The liquid-metal hinge mechanism—a new approach in Apple’s hardware engineering—aims to minimise screen creases and improve the smoothness of folding.

The dual rear cameras are expected to match the quality of Apple’s Pro lineup, while the two separate selfie cameras (for folded and unfolded modes) ensure consistent imaging across form factors. Interestingly, Apple may replace Face ID with a side-mounted Touch ID for design efficiency and to conserve internal space.

Apple iPhone Fold Display and Performance

The 7.8-inch inner screen is intended to deliver an iPad experience in a phone. Users should anticipate improved multitasking features and split-screen functionality – plus potentially fold-optimised versions of iPadOS-inspired multitasking within iOS.

Apple is said to be revamping its device layout – reducing display drivers and increasing energy efficiency–in order to meet the demands of foldable OLED displays. Furthermore, its next-gen C2 modem will offer improved power management as well as faster 5G speeds, all in line with their focus on long battery life even with complex hardware configurations.

Apple iPhone Fold Launch Timeline (Expected)

Industry insiders believe Apple plans to launch the iPhone Fold alongside the 18 series in Fall 2026; however, ongoing work to improve hinge durability and foldable display reliability may delay this release until early 2027.

Milestone

Timeline (Expected)

Final Development Phase

Mid-2025

Mass Production Begins

Late 2025

Global Launch Target

Fall 2026

Possible Delay Window

Early 2027

Apple is known for taking a measured approach when entering new product categories; waiting until technology has matured before diving in head first.

ALSO READ: OnePlus 15s: Expected Launch Date, Specifications, And Price In India

Apple iPhone Fold Price (Expected)

Apple's iPhone Fold is expected to retail for a premium price, starting at USD 1,999 (approximately Rs 1,77,000). This would make it the most costly iPhone ever sold - surpassing even current iPhone Pro Max models in terms of cost.

Variant

Expected Price

Base Model

USD 1,999 (~₹1,77,000)

Higher Configurations

Up to USD 2,299 (~₹2,03,000)

Based on Apple's track record, its foldable technology will likely target early adopters and high-end customers before becoming mainstream within their ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

Apple's iPhone Fold could mark one of their biggest design shifts since the original iPhone. Made with premium materials and featuring dual screen design and advanced engineering, the phone promises a foldable experience that balances innovation with reliability. Although initially the $2,000 price point will limit its appeal initially, Apple seems determined to redefine the foldable smartphone category with this offering that combines elements from both devices into one form factor.

Apple could set a precedent in 2026 by debuting foldable devices to set new benchmarks in foldable technology.

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