Apple is reportedly preparing to launch its first-ever foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 lineup in 2026, marking a major milestone and the company’s entry into the foldable smartphone market. This new device is expected to feature a book-style design with a 7.8-inch flexible internal display and a compact 5.5-inch external screen for one-handed use, blending tablet-like usability with smartphone portability.
Notably, the foldable iPhone will likely adopt a dual-lens rear camera setup and a single front camera. To address biometric security, Apple is said to forgo Face ID in favor of a fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button, similar to what many Android foldables employ.
One of the biggest innovations reportedly comes from Apple’s partnership with Samsung Display to develop a flexible OLED panel that eliminates the common crease on the foldable screen’s hinge area. If successful, this could resolve a persistent design flaw seen in foldables from Samsung, Huawei, OnePlus, and others, offering a smooth, uninterrupted viewing experience.
Apple’s foldable phone is also expected to introduce a titanium chassis paired with an advanced hinge mechanism made from titanium, stainless steel, and liquid metal. This design aims to enhance durability and reduce hinge-related issues, yielding a seamless and robust foldable experience. When unfolded, the device should be impressively slim—around 4.5mm thick—and fold down to roughly 9 to 9.5mm.
On the software front, Apple reportedly plans to tailor iOS 27 specifically for foldable devices, which indicates a distinct user interface and enhanced multitasking capabilities optimized for the larger internal display.
In terms of pricing, analysts estimate the foldable iPhone will carry a premium tag of around $1,800 to $2,000 (approximately ₹1.72 lakh in India), making it one of the most expensive iPhones ever. Initial production is expected to be limited, with shipments projected between 10 and 15 million units in the first wave.
This launch represents Apple’s biggest smartphone redesign since the iPhone X and positions the company to compete in a rapidly evolving segment currently dominated by a handful of Android manufacturers. With Apple’s engineering prowess addressing key foldable challenges—especially the screen crease and device durability—the foldable iPhone could spark renewed consumer interest and innovation across the market.
The foldable iPhone is widely expected to debut in the second half of 2026, and production should begin by late 2025. This upcoming device signals Apple’s commitment to expanding its smartphone lineup with new form factors and could redefine the premium smartphone space for years to come.