- Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026, with a price tag around $2,000.
- The device will feature a book-style folding mechanism, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold, with a nearly crease-free display.
- Mass production is slated to begin in late 2026, with the device potentially being part of the iPhone 18 lineup.
Apple is gearing up to enter the foldable smartphone market, with its long-rumored foldable iPhone expected to launch in 2026. According to Bloomberg’s well-connected reporter Mark Gurman, the device will carry a premium price tag of around $2,000, making it one of the most expensive iPhones ever. Gurman’s insights, shared in his latest Power On newsletter, suggest that Apple’s foldable iPhone could be part of the iPhone 18 lineup, with mass production beginning in the second half of 2026.
The foldable iPhone is said to resemble Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold, featuring a book-style folding mechanism rather than the clamshell design of the Galaxy Z Flip. Gurman notes that Apple’s version will boast “less of a screen crease” when unfolded, with recent reports suggesting the display will appear virtually crease-free to the human eye. The device is also expected to leverage advancements in display, battery, modem, and chip technology developed for the iPhone 17 Air, which is set to replace the “Plus” model in Apple’s lineup this year.
Pricing remains a key point of discussion, with Gurman estimating the foldable iPhone will cost around $2,000. However, a Barclays Bank investor research note suggests the starting price could be as high as $2,300 in the U.S., aligning with earlier predictions by supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who projected a price range of $2,000 to $2,500. If these estimates hold true, the foldable iPhone would become Apple’s most expensive smartphone to date, surpassing the current flagship iPhone 16 Pro Max, which starts at $1,199.
Speculations about Apple’s foldable iPhone have been circulating for years, but recent reports indicate that the company is finally ready to enter the foldables market. Gurman’s predictions, supported by other analysts, suggest that 2026 will be the year Apple unveils its first foldable device. The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a titanium alloy hinge and a larger 7.8-inch display, though it may only include two cameras and use Touch ID instead of Face ID.
As Apple prepares to join the foldable smartphone race, the tech world eagerly awaits more details about the device’s design, features, and pricing. With mass production expected to begin in late 2026, consumers still have time to save up for what could be a groundbreaking addition to Apple’s iPhone lineup.