Apple’s First Foldable iPhone – What We Know About the Design, Release Date and Price

Highlights

• Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to have a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer screen, featuring a crease-free book-style design.
• The device will be ultra-thin (4.5mm unfolded) and made with titanium alloy, but may lack Face ID, opting for Touch ID on the side button instead.
• The iPhone Fold is rumoured to arrive in late 2026, priced between $2100 and $2300.

Caption – Foldable iPhone representative image. (Image credit – 9to5Mac)

We have been hearing rumours about a foldable iPhone for years and it finally looks like Apple is getting closer to making it a reality. Reports say Apple is working on two foldable devices, a foldable iPhone with about an 8-inch inside display and a much larger 20-inch foldable iPad. The foldable iPhone is expected to launch first. Meanwhile, here’s a quick roundup of everything we know about the upcoming devices through the grapevine.

To start with, Apple’s new foldable iPhone could shake up a market that’s currently slowing down. According to the Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), the foldable market grew about 40% year-over-year from 2019 to 2023. Right now, demand has stalled at around 22 million panels. DSCC believes that Apple entering the market could turn things around. A lot of people are interested in foldables but don’t want to leave the iPhone behind and Apple’s version might finally convince them.

Apple’s First Foldable iPhone – Screen Details

Apple’s first foldable iPhone is said to have a book-style design, similar to what we’ve seen with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It’ll have a regular phone-sized screen on the outside, and when you open it up, a larger tablet-like display inside.

According to industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the foldable iPhone will feature a 7.8-inch display on the inside and a 5.5-inch display on the outside.

Kuo also mentioned that the screen will be crease-free, writing, “The foldable iPhone will have a book-style design, featuring an approximately 7.8-inch crease-free inner display and an approximately 5.5-inch outer display.”

Another leaker added that the inner screen will have a near 4:3 aspect ratio, making it feel similar to an older iPad mini when opened.

Apple’s First Foldable iPhone – Hardware Details

Ming-Chi Kuo also shared that the iPhone Fold will have top-end hardware, but there will be some compromises.

For starters, it doesn’t look like Face ID will make it to this device because of how thin it will be. Unfolded, the device will be just 4.5mm thick, and folded, it’ll be 9mm. For comparison, the 13-inch iPad Pro is 5.1mm thick, so this foldable iPhone would actually be the thinnest device Apple has ever made.

Instead of Face ID, “Touch ID returns as a side button, as Face ID may be absent due to thickness and internal space constraints,” Kuo noted.

Apple plans to use a mix of “stainless steel and titanium alloy” in the hinge, and the rest of the body will be made from full titanium alloy.

Apple’s First Foldable iPhone – Pricing and Release

One report suggests foldable iPhone could cost between $2100 and $2300. That would make it even pricier than the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Apple is clearly positioning this as a premium product, and the price will reflect that.

A recent 9to5Mac Report said citing sources that we can expect Apple’s first foldable iPhone to launch in the second half of 2026, likely alongside the iPhone 18 series. Assuming there are no more delays, we can go by that timeline.

FAQs

Q1. What are the expected screen sizes of Apple’s first foldable iPhone?

Answer. The foldable iPhone is rumoured to have a 7.8-inch crease-free inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display, following a book-style design.

Q2. Will the foldable iPhone include Face ID?

Answer. Due to the device’s ultra-thin 4.5mm design, Face ID may be absent, with Touch ID integrated into the side button as an alternative.

Q3. When will Apple’s foldable iPhone be released, and how much will it cost?

Answer. Reports suggest it will launch in late 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 series, with a price range of $2100 to $2300.

Also Read: Apple’s Foldable iPhone Could Come with a Compact Display