Foldable iPhone coming soon? Here’s when Apple might release it

WEB DESK: After years of speculation, it seems Apple’s long-rumoured foldable iPhone could finally arrive in 2026. While the tech giant is still months away from officially revealing the device, industry whispers suggest promising developments are underway.

One of Apple’s main goals is to eliminate the crease commonly seen in foldable smartphones. The company has spent several years refining the design, aiming for a seamless, crease-free display to enhance user experience. Apple wants to avoid the distracting fold lines that have plagued other foldable models on the market.

Early reports suggest the foldable iPhone will feature a book-style design, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold. While there were previous rumours of a clamshell design, the current consensus leans toward a device that opens horizontally, like a book.

This would require significant software adjustments, as iOS has not traditionally been optimised for horizontal use. However, sources say Apple is already working on redesigning iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16 to ensure seamless performance across both vertical and horizontal orientations.

In terms of size, the foldable iPhone is expected to have a 5.5-inch outer display when closed, smaller than most of the current iPhone lineup. When unfolded, it may expand to 7.8 inches—comparable to Apple’s earlier iPad mini models. For a sense of scale, imagine two 6.1-inch iPhones side by side to visualise the unfolded screen.

Despite its compact form when closed, the device is expected to be on the bulkier side, measuring around 9mm to 9.5mm thick. However, when unfolded, it could be as slim as 4.8mm, making it one of Apple’s thinnest devices yet.

Another intriguing rumour is that Apple may reintroduce Touch ID for the foldable iPhone, possibly integrated into the power button. This could be due to challenges in shrinking the TrueDepth camera module used for Face ID to fit the slimmer design.

As with most Apple products, the foldable iPhone is expected to come with a hefty price tag. Current speculation points to a cost between $2,000 and $2,500, positioning it as a premium product in the foldable smartphone market.

While these details are based on early reports, they may change as Apple continues to refine the design. The company’s release timeline for the foldable iPhone is reportedly set for late 2026, with more information likely to surface as we approach the official announcement.

For now, the foldable iPhone remains one of the most anticipated devices in Apple’s future lineup. Whether it will live up to the hype remains to be seen.