The forthcoming iPhone model with a foldable design is expected to carry a higher price tag than Apple's premium computer lineup.
The tech world is abuzz with anticipation for Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone, slated for launch in 2026. This innovative device promises to blend the convenience of a compact smartphone with the versatility of a tablet-sized screen.
The foldable iPhone is expected to boast a 7.8-inch inner display, similar in size to the former iPad mini, and a 5.5-inch outer display, reminiscent of the old iPhone mini models. The inner display will reportedly have a 4:3 aspect ratio and a resolution of about 2713 x 1920, while the outer display will feature a resolution of approximately 2088 x 1422.
One of the standout features of the foldable iPhone is its crease-free inner display, made possible by a metal plate hinge design supplied by Samsung Display. This design aims to eliminate the folding crease that has been a common issue with other foldable devices, such as Samsung's Galaxy Fold.
The foldable iPhone will adopt a 'book fold' design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, rather than a clamshell. When folded, the device is expected to be around 9–9.5mm thick, and as thin as 4.5–4.8mm when unfolded—thinner than upcoming standard iPhones like the iPhone 17 Air.
In terms of photography, the foldable iPhone is expected to feature a dual-lens rear camera system. For selfies and video calls, front-facing cameras will be present on both the folded outer display and unfolded inner display.
Security is a top priority for Apple, and the foldable iPhone will reportedly incorporate advanced biometric options such as Face ID and possibly Touch ID, compatible with the foldable form factor. This aligns with Apple's insistence on secure biometric authentication in all recent iPhones.
While pricing details have not been confirmed yet, analysts predict the foldable iPhone to cost between $1800 and $2000 in the US, making it the most expensive model in the iPhone lineup, surpassing the iPhone Pro Max (starting at $1200). This price is more than the starting price of a MacBook Pro, which is $1600.
Interestingly, instead of the Face ID system, the foldable iPhone is expected to be equipped with a Touch ID fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button.
Mass production of the foldable iPhone is predicted to begin in the second half of 2026. The price of the foldable iPhone is comparable to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, which costs from $2000 in the US.
It's important to note that while the foldable iPhone is a hot topic, other global issues such as tariffs on Russian palladium and threats from NATO towards the Kaliningrad region are also making headlines.
In summary, the foldable iPhone will offer a unique blend of compact portability and expansive screen real estate, a crease-free bendable display, a sleek folding design, dual cameras for multiple use cases, and Apple's signature biometric security features, all expected to arrive in 2026.
What kind of gadgets will people be buzzing about in 2026? They'll be eagerly awaiting the launch of Apple's foldable iPhone, which will offer a unique combination of a compact smartphone size and a tablet-sized screen, much like smartphones and old iPhone mini models. And for those intrigued about the cost, analysts predict it to range from $1800 to $2000, making it the priciest iPhone yet, costlier even than a MacBook Pro.
