Apple may release a foldable iPhone in 2026, according to a recent leak that shows a possible design.
Apple has been developing foldable gadgets for a while. And it may come to pass after all. A foldable iPhone is most likely to be released by the company in 2026, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman newsletter.
Ankush Pandey
Highlights
- In 2026, Apple's foldable iPhone might make its debut.
- It is anticipated that the upcoming iPhone 17 Air will serve as inspiration for its design.
- There are rumours that the foldable iPhone will use a book-style design language.
Apple has been milking the same 4-model product lineup for a long period of time. Rumour has it, though, that this year it might be different. Apple is anticipated to replace the Plus model with the iPhone 17 Air (all leaks) in 2025. The business has also made plans for the upcoming year in accordance with the new variant pattern.
According to a recent report by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple plans to release a foldable iPhone in 2026. He added that rather than using a clamshell design, Apple's foldable device will use a book-style design language.
Inspired by the iPhone 17 Air, the foldable iPhone
Gurman claims that rather than being a flip-style phone, the foldable iPhone will have more in common with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold's design. He adds that many of the technologies in the much-anticipated ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air will also be present in the upcoming foldable iPhone.
The iPhone 17 Air, with its thin 5.5mm profile, is expected to be Apple's thinnest phone to date. Despite some compromises, especially with regard to speakers and camera capabilities, this incredibly sleek design will still provide the classic iPhone experience, including a longer battery life (much like the iPhone 16e).
The iPhone 17 Air essentially serves as a proof of concept, pushing the limits of component miniaturization—a critical step in the creation of a future foldable iPhone.
Foldable iPhone: What to expect
Rumours and leaks indicate that Apple's next foldable iPhone will have a 5.5-inch external screen in addition to a 7.8-inch main display when fully opened. According to reports from leaker Digital Chat Station and analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu, Apple has decided on the device's book-style design profile, one of its primary hardware choices.
Apple is reportedly adding liquid metal, a substance that has been utilized in smaller parts like SIM ejector tools, to the hinges to increase durability. Liquid metal, which is strong and flexible, may reduce screen creasing and increase the device's lifespan, resolving common issues with foldable phones.
One of the thinnest foldable phones on the market, the phone will be incredibly thin, measuring only 4.5mm when unfolded and between 9 and 9.5mm when folded. A Touch ID sensor built into the power button may replace Face ID in order to maximise internal space and create this streamlined design. Furthermore, a titanium chassis is anticipated to improve the device's high-end feel.
Battery life is yet another important consideration; according to reports, Apple has chosen a high-density battery, though specific details are still unknown.
Apple foldable iPhone price
Gurman expects the foldable iPhone to cost about $2000 (roughly Rs 1,71,885), although there are currently few details available. Additionally, he points out that limited availability could result from slow production at first. The foldable iPhone might be released as part of the iPhone 18 lineup if everything goes according to plan.
