WSJ Report Claims iPhone 17 Air to Be More Affordable Than Expected; Foldable iPhone Likely in 2026

Highlights

• iPhone 17 Air will be thinner and more affordable than the Pro models.
• It is expected to feature a simplified camera system to reduce costs.
• Apple is working on foldable iPhones and laptops that are expected to launch in 2026.

A recent report has shed some light on Apple’s big release plans for iPhones in the next two years. It appears Apple is working on two foldable devices slated for 2026 along with a slimmer and more affordable iPhone 17 Air model. Here’s a quick roundup of the recent report.

iPhone 17 Air – Slimmer and Cheaper

A Wall Street Journal report described the iPhone 17 Air as part of Apple’s “bid to revive growth” following years of minor updates.  The report noted, “Starting next year, Apple plans to introduce an iPhone that will be thinner than the approximately 8-millimeter profile of current models, said people familiar with the company’s plans. The model is intended to be cheaper than Pro models, with a simplified camera system to reduce costs.”

Contrary to earlier speculation that it would be Apple’s most expensive iPhone, the iPhone 17 Air is now expected to be priced below the Pro lineup. Since the iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999, the iPhone 17 Air could be priced similarly to the iPhone 16 Plus, which starts at around $900.

Apple Foldables in 2026

The WSJ report also shares some key details on Apple’s progress with two foldable devices.

The foldable iPhone is expected to have a display larger than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which currently features a 6.9-inch screen. The foldable iPhone’s unfolded display could exceed 7 inches. Apple initially experimented with outward-facing foldable screens but now favours an inward-folding design, similar to existing foldable phones.

Moreover, it is also being speculated that a larger foldable laptop with a 19-inch display when unfolded is also in the works. This foldable is aimed at functioning as a laptop replacement.

Although the larger foldable was initially expected to launch first, Apple has shifted its focus to foldable iPhone for now. Development has faced delays due to challenges with the hinge and display cover, but Apple executives are pushing for a 2026 launch.

FAQs

Q1. What are Apple’s plans for the iPhone 17 Air?

Answer. As per a recent report, Apple plans to introduce an iPhone 17 Air that will be thinner than the approximately 8mm profile of current models and is intended to be cheaper than Pro models, with a simplified camera system to reduce costs.

Q2. What details are known about the foldable iPhone expected in 2026?

Answer. The foldable iPhone is expected to have a display larger than the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 6.9-inch screen, likely exceeding 7 inches, with an inward-folding design. Development has faced delays due to challenges with the hinge and display cover, but Apple executives are pushing for a 2026 launch.

Q3. What is the status of Apple’s foldable laptop plans?

Answer. Apple is developing a larger foldable laptop with a 19-inch display aimed at functioning as a laptop replacement, but the current focus is on the foldable iPhone.

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