By Apple Foldable iPhone Launch: Expected Price, Features, and Release Timeline
Apple is preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market, and according to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, its first foldable iPhone could come with a staggering price tag of approximately $2,500 (₹2,17,500). This pricing would make it significantly more expensive than competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, which is expected to launch at nearly $600 less.
Despite the high price, industry experts predict that Apple’s foldable iPhone will redefine the foldable smartphone experience with premium design, AI-driven features, and cutting-edge display technology. Here’s everything we know so far about the Apple Foldable iPhone launch.
Apple Foldable iPhone Launch: Display Specs and Design
1. Crease-Free Foldable Display
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is rumored to feature a book-style design with an advanced foldable display that eliminates the crease issue seen in current foldable smartphones.
📱 Expected Display Features:
✔ Inner Display: 7.8-inch crease-free OLED panel
✔ Outer Display: 5.5-inch compact secondary screen
✔ Folded Thickness: 9-9.5mm
✔ Unfolded Thickness: Ultra-thin at 4.5-4.8mm
This design ensures a sleek and durable structure, making the Apple Foldable iPhone one of the thinnest foldable devices ever created.
Apple Foldable iPhone Launch: Development and Production Timeline
Apple has been working on foldable technology for over a decade, with patent filings dating back to 2014. Now, the company is finalizing development, with production expected to begin soon.
📅 Key Timeline Highlights:
- Q2 2025 – Apple to finalize specifications for the foldable iPhone
- Q4 2026 – Mass production begins
- Late 2026 – Official launch and shipment
Initial production estimates suggest 3-5 million units will be available in 2026, indicating a limited launch similar to Apple’s early iPhone models.
Apple Foldable iPhone Features: What to Expect?
2. Touch ID Returns with a Side Button Sensor
One of the biggest surprises of the Apple Foldable iPhone launch is the potential return of Touch ID. Due to thickness constraints, Apple may remove Face ID and instead integrate a Touch ID sensor into the power button, offering secure biometric authentication.
🔹 Why Touch ID Instead of Face ID?
- Face ID may not fit in the ultra-thin design
- Side button Touch ID is more convenient for foldable use
- Apple has previously experimented with Touch ID on iPads and Macs
This would mark a major comeback for Touch ID, a feature beloved by many iPhone users.
3. Premium Materials and Build Quality
Apple is known for its high-end build quality, and the foldable iPhone is expected to feature:
✨ Titanium Alloy Casing – Stronger and lighter than aluminum
🔩 Stainless Steel & Titanium Hinge – Ensuring long-term durability
📷 Dual-Lens Rear Camera – Optimized for foldable design
With these materials, Apple aims to create a luxury foldable phone that balances durability and elegance.
4. Apple Intelligence: AI-Powered Features
Apple is positioning the foldable iPhone as a next-generation AI device, designed to enhance productivity and multitasking.
🚀 AI-Powered Features Include:
✔ Multitasking AI Assistants – Use Siri-powered AI while navigating maps
✔ Optimized Large-Screen AI Experience – Seamlessly chat with AI while browsing
✔ Real-Time Translation & Writing Assistance – AI-driven language tools
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the larger screen will enhance the Apple Intelligence experience, making it ideal for AI-driven workflows.
Apple Foldable iPhone vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
The Apple Foldable iPhone launch will put it in direct competition with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, but Apple is expected to differentiate its device with premium materials, AI integration, and a smoother foldable display.
| Feature | Apple Foldable iPhone | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2026 | 2024 |
| Price | $2,500 (₹2,17,500) | $1,899 (₹1,64,900) |
| Inner Display | 7.8-inch, crease-free | 7.6-inch, visible crease |
| Outer Display | 5.5-inch OLED | 6.2-inch AMOLED |
| Security | Touch ID (side button) | Face Unlock + Fingerprint |
| Build Material | Titanium Alloy + Stainless Steel Hinge | Aluminum + Glass |
| AI Features | Apple Intelligence integration | Samsung AI tools |
While Samsung remains the leader in foldables, Apple’s entry could reshape the market, driving over 30% market growth, according to display analyst Ross Young.
MacBook-Style Foldable Device Also in Development?
Interestingly, Apple may not stop at foldable iPhones. According to Mark Gurman (Bloomberg), Apple is also developing another new iPhone design for 2026 alongside the foldable model.
Additionally, reports suggest Apple is experimenting with a foldable MacBook-style device, featuring a full-screen foldable design with no physical keyboard. If true, Apple’s foldable ecosystem could expand beyond smartphones in the coming years.
Should You Buy the Apple Foldable iPhone?
The Apple Foldable iPhone launch is still two years away, but based on leaks, it could be:
✔ One of the thinnest foldable smartphones ever made
✔ A premium luxury device with a titanium alloy body
✔ Apple’s first major innovation in smartphone design since the iPhone X
✔ An AI-powered productivity tool with Apple Intelligence integration
However, with an expected price of $2,500 (₹2,17,500), it will be a premium niche product aimed at early adopters and tech enthusiasts.
