Are you still waiting for the foldable iPhone? There’s good news and bad news
Apple has reportedly already finalized the technical specifications for its future foldable iPhone. However, fans will have to wait longer, as mass production is not expected until the second half of 2026.
Apple has not yet publicly shown interest in foldable screens. However, according to numerous rumors, the company is secretly working on a foldable iPhone. The good news is that this project is moving forward, according to a recent report from well-known analyst Ming Chi Kuo. He claims that Foxconn, the company expected to assemble the future foldable iPhone, should start the project toward the end of the third quarter of 2025 or the beginning of the fourth quarter. Additionally, Apple has reportedly already locked in the features of the foldable display.
Nevertheless, Apple fans will need to be patient. Kuo indicates that mass production of the foldable iPhone should only begin in the second half of 2026. Moreover, even though Apple has finalized the technical specs for the foldable screen, it has not yet finished those for other components, such as the hinge, which will be a crucial part of the device.
Apple would settle for a small production run (but that’s relative)
In any case, the future foldable iPhone will likely be very expensive. Based on rumors, Ming Chi Kuo says the company has placed orders for 15 to 20 million foldable iPhones, which will be sold in 2026, 2027, and 2028. In March, Kuo also discussed the positioning of this future foldable iPhone.
The analyst believes Apple should offer a model similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold, but not a flip-style foldable smartphone. The internal foldable screen would have a diagonal of 7.8 inches, while the external screen would measure 5.5 inches. Kuo also predicted that this foldable iPhone would feature a camera with two sensors on the back.
The analyst believes Apple should offer a model similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold.
A product that could reinvigorate an entire market
Today, in addition to Samsung, other smartphone brands such as Honor, Oppo, Xiaomi, and even Google already offer foldable smartphones. However, this segment is currently facing difficulties, as shipment growth is slowing. The firm Counterpoint Research even predicts a decline in foldable smartphone shipments in 2025.
Nevertheless, Counterpoint also believes that, thanks to the arrival of the foldable iPhone and new flip-style models, the foldable smartphone market should return to growth in 2026.
Comparison of the Foldable iPhone Price to Other Models
Multiple sources indicate that Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to be priced between $2,100 and $2,500 USD before taxes, with some estimates going as high as $2,300 or $2,500.
This would make it the most expensive iPhone ever released, surpassing the current top-end iPhone 16 Pro Max, which starts at $1,099 USD (or up to $1,979 for the 1TB version).
Multiple sources indicate that Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to be priced between $2,100 and $2,500 USD before taxes.
Comparison to Competing Foldable Phones
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, a direct competitor, is priced at $1,899 USD in the United States.
The foldable iPhone would therefore be $200 to $600 more expensive than the Galaxy Z Fold 6, and potentially even further above other foldable models from brands like Honor, Oppo, and Google, which are also typically priced around $2,000.
Key Takeaways
The foldable iPhone will be significantly more expensive than both Apple’s current flagship and its main foldable competitors.
Apple is positioning this device as an ultra-premium product, targeting a niche willing to pay a substantial premium for the brand and new form factor.
Taxes and market fluctuations could push the price even higher in regions like Europe, potentially making it €1,000 more expensive than the current top iPhone model.
In summary, the foldable iPhone is set to launch at a price point well above both Apple’s existing models and its main competitors in the foldable market.
Links
- Apple’s foldable phone to launch in late 2026, Samsung panels already ordered – GSMArena
- Sell your pre-owned Apple iPhone online – iGotOffer
- Everything About Apple’s Products – The complete guide to all Apple consumer electronic products, including technical specifications, identifiers and other valuable information.
Top 3 iPhone Fold LEAKS That Will CHANGE Everything! [Video]
Video uploaded by Matt Talk Tech on April 27, 2025.
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