iPhone Fold arrives late – but with typical Apple planning

Apple and the foldable market – it's a story full of rumors, speculation, and endless delays. While Samsung, Huawei, and other manufacturers have already launched several generations of foldable smartphones, Apple has so far remained completely silent. Nevertheless, many observers expect the iPhone Fold to shake up the market as soon as it's released. The reason: Apple, although late to the game, acted very deliberately – and likely knows exactly what it's doing.

Speculation about a foldable iPhone has been rife for years. Repeated hints surfaced promising an imminent release—2022, then 2024, later 2026, or even 2027. Now, there are increasing signs that 2026 could actually happen. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman's "Power On" newsletter recently revisited the topic. He predicts that Apple will venture into the foldable market next year. Despite its late launch, the iPhone Fold could spark new momentum—not through revolutionary technology, but through solid execution and smart decisions.

Apple comes late – but not by chance

According to Gurman , Apple doesn't want to be a technological pioneer with the iPhone Fold. That's not even necessary in this category – Samsung has long since taken on that role, making improvements over the years that now set the standard. Apple benefits from this because many teething issues have already been ironed out. So, its entry isn't out of necessity, but rather at a strategically opportune moment.

Typical Apple: The company was never the first in new product categories, but often the most successful once it entered. The Apple Watch came late but became the market leader. Apple was early with the iPad, and late again with the Vision Pro – but with a clearly recognizable, distinctive approach. The iPhone Fold also has a clear direction: not a quick fix, but a well-thought-out device with its own character.

Not a clone of the competition

The foldable iPhone is expected to be significantly different from previous foldables. Apple is apparently planning an improved hinge mechanism that will significantly minimize the crease in the inner display that is visible on many devices. The display sizes are expected to be around 7.8 inches inside and around 5.5 inches outside. According to current information, the iPhone Fold will be extremely thin when unfolded – only about 4.5 to 4.8 millimeters. When folded, it will be 9 to 9.5 millimeters thick. Apple could also break new ground with the cameras. A so-called meta-lens front camera is being discussed, as well as a dual camera on the back. The goal is not to offer technical superlatives, but rather a well-rounded package suitable for everyday use with high-quality workmanship and well-thought-out features.

iOS 27 is set to shape the Fold experience

The hardware is only half the story with the iPhone Fold. Apple wants to unlock the potential of the foldable form factor through software – similar to iPadOS or visionOS. iOS 27 will therefore contain special features for the foldable device. Possible options include expanded multitasking options, optimized app displays in unfolded mode, and clever transitions when switching between screen states. This integration of hardware and software is a classic Apple strategy – and is likely to make a decisive difference compared to the competition, where the hardware is often strong but the software lags behind.

China as a key market

Another reason for the foldable iPhone is the Chinese market. There, foldables are now not just a trend, but part of the mainstream in the high-end segment. Apple has recently lost market share in China and could reach new buyer groups with the iPhone Fold. According to Gurman, the popularity of foldable smartphones in China is an important factor in Apple's decision to enter the segment now.

Price and production schedule

The price of the iPhone Fold is expected to be at least $2,000. That's high, but no surprise – other premium foldables are in similar price ranges. And Apple has never been known for low entry-level prices. Anyone who wants the Fold will have to pay. The timeline remains complicated. While it's currently said again that Apple wants to release the iPhone Fold in the second half of 2026, there have been many conflicting reports in recent years. In 2020, the target was still mentioned as 2022, but then the target was postponed several times. In February 2025, it was said that production would begin in late 2025 for a market launch in 2026 – other sources estimated 2027. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned late 2026 or early 2027. Ultimately, nothing is certain yet, even if many indicators point to 2026.

Late but targeted: Apple's strategy for the iPhone Fold

Apple is taking its time with the iPhone Fold – and for good reason. While other manufacturers experimented for years, Apple was able to observe and learn. Now the company appears ready to launch a device that doesn't promise radical innovations, but solves many of the problems of current foldables. The display crease is to be significantly reduced, the software will have special features, and the design is geared towards everyday usability. Above all, one thing is clear: Apple doesn't just want to deliver another foldable, but a product that fits organically into the existing ecosystem. Whether 2026 will truly be the year of the iPhone Fold remains to be seen – but if Apple delivers, the device is likely to play a strong role in the premium segment. (Photo by seveniwe / Bigstockphoto)