Foldable iPhone release date: when to expect Apple’s first folding smartphone

After years of speculation, Apple appears to be inching closer to unveiling its first folding iPhone, with several reliable industry insiders hinting at a possible 2026 launch and sharing fresh details about the foldable iPhone release date.

If the reports are accurate, it will mark a major shift in Apple’s smartphone design philosophy, bringing it in line with competitors like Samsung and Huawei, who have already established a presence in the foldable market.

A design that folds like a book

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s upcoming foldable device will resemble the Galaxy Z Fold, opening like a book rather than flipping vertically.

Leaks suggest the phone will feature a 5.5-inch outer screen and a larger 7.8-inch internal display that unfolds into a tablet-style layout. The inner display is expected to be nearly crease-free, made possible by a new metal plate structure designed to distribute pressure evenly when the device bends.

Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the device will have a titanium frame and a hinge made from a combination of titanium and stainless steel, offering both strength and durability. Some reports also mention the use of “liquid metal” to minimise creasing and enhance the hinge’s flexibility. Apple has reportedly tested black and white colour options so far, but more variations may be introduced closer to launch.

Cameras and features

Rumours suggest the foldable iPhone will feature four cameras: two at the back, one on the cover display, and another on the inner screen. Each rear camera could reportedly be 48 megapixels. Interestingly, Apple is said to be dropping Face ID for this model, opting instead for a Touch ID sensor built into the power button to save internal space.

Connectivity will be handled by Apple’s own C2 modem chip, the successor to the company’s first-generation modem introduced in the iPhone 16e. The device will reportedly omit a physical SIM slot and use high-density battery cells to improve battery life.

Production and pricing

Foxconn is expected to begin mass production of the folding iPhone in late 2026, with prototypes already undergoing testing. The price is expected to fall between $1,800 and $2,500, making it one of the most expensive iPhones to date.

If all goes according to plan, Apple’s foldable iPhone could hit stores in the second half of 2026. However, some analysts warn that a 2027 launch remains possible, depending on how quickly Apple finalises the device’s design. Either way, it looks like the world’s most valuable tech company is finally ready to join the foldable revolution.