by Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has unveiled exciting new details about Apple’s highly anticipated entry into the foldable smartphone market. According to Kuo, the tech giant is preparing to launch its first-ever foldable iPhone in late 2026, marking a significant milestone in Apple’s product lineup. This innovative device is expected to feature a premium, book-like design and could come with a price tag of approximately $2,500, positioning it as a luxury offering in the smartphone market.
The foldable iPhone is rumored to boast a dual-screen design, combining functionality and elegance. On the outside, users will find a compact 5.5-inch display, perfect for quick tasks like checking notifications, responding to messages, or making calls without needing to unfold the device. When opened, the device will reveal a spacious 7.8-inch internal display, designed to provide a seamless, tablet-like experience. Apple is reportedly focusing on minimizing the visibility of creases on the foldable screen, a common issue with current foldable devices, to ensure a smooth and immersive viewing experience.
One of the standout features of this new iPhone is its premium build quality. Apple is said to be incorporating high-quality materials, including advanced hinges and a robust side frame, to ensure durability and a luxurious feel. The hinges, in particular, are expected to be a key differentiator, offering a smooth folding mechanism that enhances the overall user experience. Additionally, the device’s side frame will not only contribute to its structural integrity but also house a redesigned side button that integrates Touch ID, Apple’s fingerprint recognition technology.
Interestingly, Apple plans to move away from Face ID for this model, opting instead to reintroduce Touch ID via the side button. This decision could be driven by the unique design challenges posed by the foldable form factor, as well as the desire to offer a more convenient and secure unlocking method. By embedding Touch ID into the side button, Apple aims to provide users with a seamless way to authenticate their identity, whether the device is folded or unfolded.
The foldable iPhone’s anticipated price of $2,500 reflects its positioning as a high-end, cutting-edge device. Apple is clearly targeting the ultra-premium segment of the market, appealing to tech enthusiasts, early adopters, and consumers who value innovation and exclusivity. This pricing strategy also aligns with the company’s history of offering premium products that combine advanced technology with sleek design.
Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market comes at a time when competitors like Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi have already established a presence in this space. However, Apple’s reputation for innovation and its ability to redefine product categories could give it a significant advantage. By focusing on design excellence, durability, and user experience, Apple aims to differentiate its foldable iPhone from existing offerings and set a new standard for foldable devices.
That said, the success of the foldable iPhone will depend on how well Apple addresses some of the challenges commonly associated with foldable smartphones, such as durability, battery life, and software optimization. Ensuring that the device can withstand daily wear and tear, while delivering a smooth and intuitive user experience, will be critical to winning over consumers.
If the rumors and analyst predictions hold true, the foldable iPhone could represent a major leap forward for Apple, solidifying its position as a leader in smartphone innovation. The device has the potential to reshape the smartphone landscape, offering users a new way to interact with their devices and pushing the boundaries of what smartphones can do. As the 2026 launch window approaches, anticipation will undoubtedly build, and all eyes will be on Apple to see how it redefines the future of mobile technology.
