Apple remains the only major smartphone manufacturer yet to launch a foldable device, even as Samsung, Google, OnePlus, Motorola and Honor have already entered the category. That is expected to change next year, with growing indications that Apple’s first foldable phone, unofficially referred to as the iPhone Fold, will debut in September 2026. According to a market note to investors from JPMorgan, the device is projected to be part of the iPhone 18 lineup, though some analysts suggest Apple could opt for a standalone event to showcase the new design. Apple’s annual iPhone announcements typically occur in September, with recent years seeing consistent release cycles: iPhone 16 was introduced on 9 September 2024, iPhone 15 on 12 September 2023, and iPhone 14 on 7 September 2022. This pattern adds weight to the expectation that the foldable will appear during the autumn 2026 event.
Pricing remains speculative, but early reports suggest Apple will position its foldable in the ultra-premium segment. A US launch price of $1,999 has been rumored, placing it directly in line with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, which carries the same starting price. Apple has historically aligned US and UK pricing numerically rather than by exchange rate, so analysts forecast a UK cost of £1,999. If accurate, this would make the foldable iPhone one of the most expensive Apple devices yet, exceeding even the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which launched at $1,199. Pricing in other regions is still uncertain and could be impacted by tariffs or regional adjustments.
Details about the design and specifications remain limited but have started to solidify. Codenamed V68, the device is expected to adopt a book-style inward folding design rather than a clamshell format. Reports suggest an inner display measuring 7.8 inches and an outer screen at 5.5 inches, with Samsung Display contracted to supply the folding panels. The construction will reportedly feature a titanium chassis and a LiquidMetal hinge, designed to minimize the appearance of a crease when the device is unfolded. At launch, the iPhone Fold is expected to be offered in black and white color options, and will measure between 9 and 9.5 millimeters when closed and around 4.5 to 4.8 millimeters when open.
Camera features are also generating interest, with speculation that the foldable iPhone will integrate five lenses: one on the front, one on the inside, and two on the back. This setup would allow for selfie capture whether the device is folded or unfolded, enhancing flexibility. The foldable will reportedly replace Face ID with Touch ID, incorporate Apple’s upcoming C2 modem for improved connectivity, and omit a SIM card slot entirely, continuing Apple’s transition toward eSIM-only devices. While further details remain under wraps, the iPhone Fold is shaping up to be Apple’s most ambitious hardware shift since the original iPhone, combining a new form factor with the company’s established design and ecosystem.
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