iPhone Fold Rumours: Apple's First Book-Style Foldable Smartphone Expected to Launch in 2026
The latest reports from market research firms suggest that Apple is working on its first foldable smartphone, which will be marketed as the iPhone Fold. The device is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series in September 2026.
Price Estimate for iPhone Fold
According to Fubon Research analyst Arthur Liao, Apple's first foldable smartphone could cost $2,399 (roughly Rs. 2,14,000). This estimate was reportedly achieved by analysing the current state of the supply chain and Apple's profit margin requirement.
Specifications and Features
The iPhone Fold is expected to be powered by Apple's purported 2nm A20 Pro chip and will ship with iOS 27. The device could feature a LTPO+ flexible OLED display on the inside, similar in size to an iPad Mini. Its cover display could either be a 5-inch or 6-inch screen, while the folding touchscreen will reportedly be an 8-inch display.
Market Expectations
Fubon Research believes that Apple will be able to sell 15.4 million units of its first foldable phone in its total lifecycle, and 5.4 million units are expected to be sold in 2026. While the cost of the iPhone Fold could exceed the most expensive iPhone 17 Pro Max model ($1,999 or roughly Rs. 1.78 lakh), Apple is expected to make it a successful product.
Conclusion
The launch of the iPhone Fold will mark a significant milestone in the world of smartphones. With its unique features and high-end specifications, the device is expected to attract a lot of attention from tech enthusiasts. However, only time will tell if Apple's first foldable smartphone will live up to the expectations.