Apple is preparing to unveil its inaugural foldable smartphone, tentatively named the iPhone Fold, with a launch scheduled for 2026. This strategic move marks Apple's entry into the burgeoning foldable device market. According to projections from Fubon Research, the iPhone Fold is expected to be priced at approximately $2,399 (around ₹215,000), making it not only the most expensive iPhone to date but also the priciest foldable smartphone available. For comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 debuted at a price of $1,999 (around ₹178,000), highlighting Apple's intention to position its foldable device at a premium. The pricing of the iPhone Fold could be even higher in markets like India, in line with Apple's pricing strategies for its other models. Reports suggest that the anticipated price for the iPhone Fold could range from $2,000 to $2,500 (₹178,000 to ₹223,000) based on early evaluations.
The justification for this elevated price point largely revolves around the premium materials Apple intends to use. The foldable device is rumored to feature an advanced display panel and a sophisticated hinge design, crucial for achieving a near-crease-free appearance on the inner screen. The anticipated demand for the iPhone Fold is yet to be fully determined; however, Fubon suggests Apple could potentially sell around 5.4 million units by 2026, despite a projected decline in global smartphone demand. Foldable smartphones are expected to emerge as a leading trend within the market during that period.
Key specifications for the iPhone Fold indicate it will showcase a 7.8-inch OLED inner display coupled with a 5.5-inch OLED cover screen. The device is also likely to incorporate a 24-megapixel under-display selfie camera, as per insights from JP Morgan. Unlike previous models, the iPhone Fold is expected to utilize Touch ID technology instead of Face ID. In terms of battery capabilities, it is speculated to house a battery with a capacity of at least 5,400mAh, marking the largest battery ever included in an iPhone, and it will likely be powered by the new A20 Pro chipset, which is also rumored to debut with the iPhone 18 Pro models.
The iPhone Fold is anticipated to be introduced alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in September 2026. This launch aligns with Apple's broader strategy to conduct two iPhone releases each year, with additional models like the iPhone 18e and the next-generation iPhone Air expected to follow in early 2027.