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Apple is working on a foldable iPhone. This has been known for some time, but now there's further concrete confirmation. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple plans to launch the device in 2026. It's a model that's more closely aligned with the design of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold than with traditional flip phones. Development has been underway for some time, but Apple now appears to be technically ready to turn the concept into a market-ready product.
The foldable iPhone won't be a clamshell phone in the traditional sense. Instead, it will have an outer display and a large, foldable inner display. According to well-known supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the outer display will be 5.5 inches and the inner display 7.8 inches. This puts the device in the same size as the iPad mini—but with a foldable design.
Technology from the iPhone 17 Air as a basis
A key element in development is the upcoming iPhone 17 Air. According to Gurman, this model will be extremely thin—just 5.5 millimeters—and serve as a kind of proof of concept for the foldable iPhone. Apple is attempting to integrate as many components as possible into an ultra-thin casing. The idea is to apply lessons learned from the iPhone 17 Air directly to the foldable model. Despite its compact design, the iPhone 17 Air will not sacrifice any fundamental features. The camera and speakers may be slightly weaker, but the overall iPhone experience will remain intact. Battery life should also be stable—an important consideration for devices with two displays.
Price and market launch
According to Gurman, the foldable iPhone will be priced at around $2,000. The device is clearly aimed at the high-end segment. Furthermore, it will likely only be available in limited quantities at launch, as Apple will ramp up production slowly. If all goes according to plan, the foldable iPhone will be part of the iPhone 18 series. The launch will therefore take place in fall 2026 (via Bloomberg).
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Apple focuses on thin design and new formats
Apple has a clear plan for its foldable iPhone. The company is relying on a new format, combined with the technology of the iPhone 17 Air. The goal is a very thin, powerful device with a large folding screen. There aren't many details yet, but the direction is clear: Apple wants to bring out a foldable iPhone that doesn't have to hide its technology – even if the price will be high and availability will initially be limited. (Photo by Unsplash / Tyler Lastovich)
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