The foldable iPhone is said to have a book-like form with a crease-free 7.8-inch inner screen and a 5.5-inch outer screen. The device, when folded, will measure between 9mm and 9.5mm in thickness, and when unfolded, will be just 4.5mm to 4.8mm thick. This will be made possible by a sophisticated hinge mechanism that will provide durability and thinness.
Folded iPhone will sport a titanium alloy frame, similar to Apple’s Pro line, with the hinge constructed of a combination of stainless steel and titanium. This would provide the needed strength without becoming too heavy. The device would also include a dual-lens rear camera and front cameras in both the folded and unfolded form.
Interestingly, the foldable iPhone will not have Face ID due to the limitations of thickness. In its place, Apple will reintroduce Touch ID as a side button, which might result in a larger battery or more features in the same dimensions. The phone will be marketed as an “actual AI-driven phone” with longer screens to accommodate more multitasking features, such as the capacity to view maps while chatting with AI assistants.
Production schedules tell us Apple would finish specifications during the second quarter of 2025 with mass production initiated during the fourth quarter of 2026. First shipments would be approximately 3 to 5 million for the year 2026, bearing in mind it is a very complicated device to produce. Though costly, experts are assuming that there would be immense appetite for the foldable iPhone if it delivers according to expectations, particularly if it comes with a crease-less screen, an innovation that will be a breakthrough for the foldables market.
Apple’s entry into the foldable space is expected to drive the segment significantly. Currently, foldable phones are only a small percentage of the market, but Apple’s dominance of the premium smartphone market means it may experience tremendous growth following its launch. More than 30% market growth following Apple’s launch is what experts are predicting, driven by its customer base and innovative technology.
The foldable iPhone has been under development for several years, with patent applications from as far back as 2014. Apple’s effort to complete its initial foldable product for 2026 signals a strategic effort to diversify its product portfolio and continue to be competitive in the changing smartphone industry. Although Apple has not officially announced plans for a foldable iPhone, the repeated rumors and analyst projections indicate that the company is likely to make a strong dent in this new segment.
