Foldable iPhone Release Timeline Revealed, But It Won't Come Cheap

Leading Android smartphone companies Samsung, OnePlus and Oppo together with Vivo are already present in the foldable smartphone market. Huawei introduced triple-foldable designs to the market while Oppo presented slender foldable products that merge seamless smartphone design with traditional phone aesthetics. The way Oppo maintains superior performance while having an astounding slim design constitutes an impressive accomplishment. Will Apple ever join the market for foldable phones? Before Apple enters the market it takes time but the company establishes future industry standards when its products become available. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's research provides insights into Apple's first foldable iPhone, including its launch schedule, key characteristics, and estimated cost.

Kuo predicts the first foldable iPhone from Apple will launch during late 2026 or early 2027. The upcoming foldable iPhone will have an initial starting price above $2,000 (which amounts to approximately Rs 1,74,000). The high market prices characteristic of Apple products will likely result in even more expensive foldable iPhone models in Indian markets. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 from Samsung costs Rs 1,64,999 but consumers might view this price positively when Apple launches its foldable iPhone model.

The upcoming foldable iPhone presents itself as a book-style design for use in the premium segment. This upcoming smartphone is said to combine both 7.8-inch internal size and 5.5-inch outer size screens. Apple's upcoming foldable product represents a major breakthrough as it eliminates creases which remains a problem that continues to challenge other foldable manufacturers. The device can reach 9 to 9.5 mm when folded yet it becomes just 4.5 mm when unfolded. Titanium alloy will be used to construct the body and the hinge will combine titanium material with stainless steel to increase longevity of the device.

Leaked information indicates the upcoming iPhone model will incorporate dual-lens rear and front-facing video cameras which operate between its folded and unfolded display orientations. New information suggests the upcoming device will replace Face ID with a Touch ID button located on one side in a move to optimize internal space usage. The elimination of Face ID from iPhone products would likely disappoint buyers who prefer its easy use alongside its privacy protection advantages.

Apple plans to finalize specifications for their device by mid-2026 while production volume will begin in late 2026. The foldable iPhone is projected to launch from 2026 or early 2027 depending on successful execution of plans. According to leaked information, Apple is planning to release another model of the foldable iPhone one year after its 2026 market launch. Apple's entrance into the foldable market will be worth watching as it changes the competitive landscape and demonstrates whether this product reaches the standard of its high-end brand.