Foldable iPhone release date and pricing: 2026, starting at $2,000
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to debut around the end of 2026 or early 2027, featuring a book-style design and a starting price of over $2,000, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In his report, Kuo anticipates that the device will include an approximately 7.8-inch “crease-free” inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display.
Kuo states the foldable iPhone will measure between 9 and 9.5 mm thick when folded and approximately 4.5 to 4.8 mm when unfolded. The device will feature a titanium alloy casing, a hinge made from stainless steel and titanium alloy, and a dual-lens rear camera equipped with a front-facing camera for both folded and unfolded usage.
Significantly, Kuo notes the foldable iPhone will not include Face ID, opting for a Touch ID side button to conserve internal space. The phone is described as a “true AI-driven phone,” leveraging its larger screens to enhance multitasking capabilities, such as allowing users to interact with chatbots while simultaneously viewing maps.
Oppo’s new foldable is so thin, you might forget it’s a foldable
Kuo projects that with a premium price tag potentially exceeding $2,500, the foldable iPhone will attract Apple’s dedicated customer base, who may see it as a necessary upgrade if it meets quality expectations. The analyst asserts that Apple aims to finalize the specifications for the foldable iPhone in the second quarter of this year, officially launching the project in the third quarter. Mass production is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026, leading to a possible launch late next year or in early 2027. Additionally, a second-generation model is anticipated to follow in 2028.
In terms of shipment estimates, Kuo indicates the complexity of the first-generation model will limit production volume until 2027, projecting shipments of 3 to 5 million units for 2026. Including the second-generation model, total shipments could reach up to 20 million units in 2027.
Featured image credit: zhang kaiyv/Unsplash