Foldable iPhone Launch In 2026? Expected Price, Specifications And Latest Updates

Apple could be gearing up to venture into the foldable smartphones market, with recent reports hinting at the possible arrival of an iPhone in the new segment in 2026. 

Though the tech giant has not made any formal announcement on the launch of a foldable smartphone, industry analysts and media reports suggest that the project is already in advanced stages, with a launch potentially expected in the latter part of next year.

According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple’s first foldable iPhone could be released in tandem with the iPhone 18 series. It would be the most significant design overhaul of the iPhone since the debut of the iPhone X, ushering Apple into an entirely new class of smartphones with a foldable design.

Reports indicate the device will feature a book-like folding mechanism, much like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. It is expected to include a 7.8-inch main foldable display on the inside, paired with a 5.5-inch screen on the outer cover.

When open, the phone may measure just 4.5 mm thick, increasing to roughly 9 mm when shut. This will potentially place it among the slimmest foldable phones currently available.

The handset is expected to feature a dual-camera system on the rear and a single front-facing camera for selfies. Rather than using Face ID, Apple is reportedly opting for a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button for biometric security. This is an approach frequently adopted in foldable Android devices.

Reports also suggest that Apple is turning to Fine M-Tec and Samsung for the development of the hinge system and the crease-free foldable display. Samsung is also believed to be preparing its A3 facility in Asan, South Korea, to handle production of the foldable OLED screens. In preparation for the 2026 launch, Apple is expected to manufacture between six and eight million units of the new device.

On the software side, Apple is reportedly customising iOS 27 to better suit the foldable form. It is expected to incorporate tools that make full use of the expanded display area. Improvements geared towards multitasking, split-screen functionality and possible Apple Pencil compatibility are reportedly in the works.

According to reports, the forthcoming foldable iPhone could be priced in the ultra-high-end segment. It could cost around $2,000, equivalent to approximately Rs 1.72 lakh in India.