After years of speculation, leaks, and what felt like an eternal wait, the foldable iPhone is finally on the horizon. According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is gearing up to unleash its first foldable iPhone between late 2026 and early 2027—and brace yourself; it won’t come cheap. It’s shaping up to be the most expensive iPhone ever, with a rumored price tag north of $2,000, possibly even $2,500.
The $2,500 Question—Are You Ready for the Most Expensive iPhone Yet?
But is this just another overpriced Apple product, or is it a game-changer that will redefine foldable phones forever? Let’s break down the leaks, the hype, and why Apple’s take on foldables might shake up the industry.
A Foldable Worth Its Weight in Titanium?
While Samsung has dominated the foldable space with its Galaxy Z Fold series, Apple’s approach seems focused on premium materials, AI-driven features, and ultra-thin engineering. Unlike flip-style foldable, Apple is reportedly going all-in on a book-style design, unfolding into a 7.8-inch mini-tablet with an approximate 5.5-inch outer screen.
But here’s where it gets interesting:
- No Crease? If Apple can eliminate the dreaded crease that plagues current foldables, that alone could set it apart.
- Titanium Build is for added durability and is similar to the iPhone 15 Pro lineup.
- Touch ID Makes a Comeback? Due to space constraints, Face ID might not cut so we could see a side-button Touch ID sensor instead.
Let’s talk about the thickness. Foldables have always had a chunky reputation, but Apple is rumored to keep them ultra-slim, measuring 9-9.5mm when folded and 4.5-4.8mm when unfolded—much thinner than Samsung’s current models.
Apple’s “True AI-Driven iPhone”
Here’s where things take a futuristic turn. Apple doesn’t just want this to be another foldable—it’s marketing it as a “True AI-Driven iPhone.”
What does that mean?
- Multimodal AI experiences—imagine planning a trip with an AI assistant while seeing a full-screen map at the same time.
- Smarter cross-app integration, leveraging the larger screen for productivity and AI-enhanced workflows.
- Next-gen battery tech could improve longevity using the same high-density cells as the rumored iPhone 17 Air.
With Samsung heavily integrating AI into its Galaxy S24 series and Google doubling down on AI-powered Pixel features, it’s clear that Apple is positioning its foldable as an AI powerhouse, not just a fancy new form factor.
Price and Release: Start Saving Now
Kuo’s leaks suggest that Apple will finalize the foldable iPhone’s specs in Q2 2025, with the project officially kicking off in Q3 2025. Mass production won’t begin until late 2026; a launch is expected in late 2026 or early 2027.
And here’s the kicker: Initial production will be limited, much like the Apple Vision Pro, which means expect shortages and sky-high resale prices.
For those planning to splurge, the first-generation iPhone Fold (or whatever Apple calls it) will ship in limited quantities—just 3-5 million units in 2026. However, if demand soars, Apple could ramp up production with a second-generation foldable in 2027.
Can Apple Make Foldables Mainstream?
Let’s be honest: foldables are still a niche market. While Samsung, Google, and others have made significant progress, they haven’t entirely broken into the mainstream. But if history tells us anything, Apple has a way of turning niche products into must-have devices.
Just imagine:
- Apple’s marketing is making foldable the new standard, much like it did with Face ID and removing the headphone jack.
- The foldable iPhone pushes Samsung and Google to step up their game, leading to even better foldables.
- Thanks to Apple’s ecosystem and user-friendly design, foldable tech is finally reaching mass adoption.
Of course, there’s still plenty of room for skepticism. Apple is late to the party, and competitors have had years to refine their designs. However, one thing’s sure: the entire industry will pay attention when Apple finally jumps in.
So, what do you think? Would you drop over $2,000 for a foldable iPhone or wait for the second generation? One thing’s sure: things are about to get very interesting in the world of foldables.
