Apple is reportedly planning to unveil its first foldable iPhone in late 2026, featuring a design that could resemble two iPhone Airs side by side, thin, sleek, and built with premium materials. Leaks suggest the foldable will reach new heights in build quality and price.
TLDR:
- The foldable iPhone is expected in autumn 2026, built mostly in China
- It may look like two iPhone Airs in titanium with a dual-display setup: 5.5‑inch external and 7.8‑inch internal screen
- Could be ultra thin when opened at around 4.5 mm, folded thickness around 9 mm
- Expected to start at $2,000 or more, possibly reaching $2,300
What Happened?
Apple is finally stepping into the foldables game. Reports from multiple reliable sources suggest that Apple’s first foldable iPhone will resemble two iPhone Airs placed next to each other. It is expected to arrive sometime in 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 series. Designed to be thin, tough, and ultra-premium, this phone could be Apple’s most expensive iPhone yet.
Apple is using the iPhone Air as the blueprint for this new foldable model. It will likely feature a titanium chassis, crease-free folding display, and improved repairability over rivals.
REPORT: Touch ID might be RETURNING to the iPhone! 👆🏼
— Brian MacDuff (@itstheBMAC) August 26, 2025
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s first foldable iPhone (expected in 2026) will feature Touch ID instead of Face ID. 👀
Would you want Touch ID as the only unlock option on an iPhone Fold? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Hyxw4uhlFJ
Design and Display
The new iPhone Fold will sport a book-style design, much like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold. When closed, users will interact with a 5.5-inch external screen, while opening the device will reveal a much larger 7.8-inch display inside. The use of Samsung Display panels hints at a smooth, possibly crease-free folding experience.
Thickness is expected to be a standout feature. Leaks suggest the unfolded device could be as thin as 4.5 mm, making it even slimmer than the iPhone Air. Folded, the phone might be around 9 to 9.5 mm thick, still thinner than some rivals.
Durability and Materials
Apple is rumored to be using titanium for both the body and part of the hinge. This material is not only strong but also light, and has already proven itself in the iPhone Air. Some sources mention a hybrid hinge design that combines titanium and stainless steel for added toughness.
The phone might be a technical milestone, blending cutting-edge hardware with everyday usability. Apple could use liquid metal components in the hinge to prevent creasing and wear.
Cameras and Internal Layout
Camera specs point to a dual rear camera setup along with a single front-facing shooter. Internally, Apple is working on a smart layout where parts of the logic board are embedded within the camera bump, a solution already seen in the iPhone Air. This allows for a metal-encased battery and reduces stress on internal components.
The foldable may skip Face ID in favor of Touch ID in the power button, which saves space and fits the slim form factor.
Price and Availability
Expect a premium price. All reports point to a starting cost of around $2,000, with some insiders suggesting prices could go as high as $2,300 depending on configuration.
The device is expected to be announced in September 2026, with retail availability likely in October or November. Production will primarily take place in China, although some earlier reports hinted at India and Taiwan as secondary locations.
What TechKV Thinks?
I’m genuinely excited about this. Apple isn’t just making a foldable for the sake of it. They’re going for a well-designed, ultra-thin, highly durable foldable that could actually work in the real world. The use of titanium, the clever internal engineering, and the promise of a crease-free experience make this sound like more than just a gimmick.
Sure, the price is going to sting, but Apple never plays in the budget space when launching something new. If they get the durability and battery life right, this foldable could make people rethink what a premium iPhone looks like. I think this is the start of a new product category for Apple, not just a one-off.
