Key Points:
- Most rumors point to a launch in the second half of 2026.
- The device will reportedly be a book-style foldable, not a clamshell.
- Apple is waiting for a nearly invisible “crease-less” display from Samsung.
- It will likely use Touch ID in the power button instead of Face ID.
While Apple has remained silent, the rumor mill is painting a clear picture of the company’s first foldable iPhone. After years of speculation, a strong consensus suggests the device will finally launch in the fall of 2026, likely alongside the iPhone 18. However, given Apple’s high standards, a slip into 2027 is still possible if durability issues arise.
This device won’t come cheap. Nearly every report agrees that the “iPhone Fold” will be Apple’s most expensive phone ever, with a price tag estimated between $2,000 and $2,500. That would position it well above the current Pro Max models and closer in cost to a high-end MacBook.
The design will reportedly follow the “book-style” format of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold rather than a smaller “clamshell” flip phone. When opened, it will function like a small tablet with an internal screen measuring around 7.8 inches. When closed, it will have a smaller, more traditional smartphone display on the outside. Leaks suggest the device may be shorter and wider than a typical iPhone, giving it a squarer shape.
One of the biggest hurdles for any foldable is the screen’s crease, and this is where Apple aims to innovate. The company is reportedly waiting for a new “crease-less” foldable OLED panel from Samsung. This technology uses a special support plate to disperse stress, resulting in a display with a nearly invisible fold line, something Apple considers a must-have before entering the market.
To keep the screens free of notches, the phone will likely ditch Face ID. Instead, it is expected to use a Touch ID sensor built directly into the power button, similar to modern iPads. The hinge is another key area of focus, with reports pointing to the use of “Liquidmetal,” a strong and lightweight alloy that resists wear and tear better than titanium.
To power the large screens, the iPhone Fold is rumored to pack the biggest battery ever seen in an iPhone, with a capacity between 5,000 and 5,800mAh. While many details have leaked, the final name, software features, and long-term reliability all remain open questions until Apple makes an official announcement.
