Foldable iPhone tipped to debut in 2026 with an astronomical price tag

[DragonSlayer101]

In a nutshell: Numerous rumors over the past few years have suggested that Apple is working on a foldable iPhone. Now, a new report from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicates that potential buyers may want to start saving up, as the device is expected to come with a hefty price tag.

Kuo said the foldable iPhone is expected to cost between $2,000 and $2,500. Despite the steep price tag, Apple reportedly anticipates it will become a "must-have device," particularly among its loyal fan base. Kuo also believes the foldable iPhone will drive "strong replacement demand," provided there are no major issues with hardware quality or software optimization.

Kuo added that the hardware specifications for the foldable iPhone are likely to be finalized in the second quarter of this year, with the official project kickoff scheduled for the following quarter. If all goes according to plan, Apple will begin commercial manufacturing of the second-generation foldable iPhone in the second half of 2027.

According to Kuo, Apple is preparing the foldable iPhone as a "true AI-driven phone" with multimodal functionality and cross-app integration to stay in line with current smartphone trends. However, despite its high-end features, the device may forgo Face ID due to "internal space constraints." Instead, Apple plans to integrate Touch ID into a side button.

Kuo also confirmed earlier reports that the foldable iPhone will feature a book-style design, similar to the Pixel Fold, rather than a flip-style format like the Galaxy Z Flip. It is expected to include a 7.8-inch crease-free inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display. The device will have a dual-camera setup on the rear and a front-facing camera accessible in both folded and unfolded states.

The foldable iPhone is expected to be 9 – 9.5mm thick when folded and 4.5 – 4.8mm when unfolded. Its hinge will be constructed from a combination of stainless steel and titanium alloy, while the casing is likely to be made of titanium alloy for added durability. The device is also rumored to use the same high-density battery cells as the iPhone 17.

Apple reportedly projects shipments of 3 – 5 million units in 2026, with production capped until 2027 due to manufacturing complexities. Once production scales up, Cupertino expects to ship as many as 20 million units in 2027.

Images credit: Antonio De Rosa

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Foldable iPhone tipped to debut in 2026 with an astronomical price tag

 

[mgwerner]

And the sheeple will turn out in droves to buy one.

 

[VitalyT]

I don't care what they promise, but as of today, there is no such thing as crease-free foldable display. They all come in the form of undelivered promises, ending up with creases and often dirt and particles underneath that exacerbate the issue further.

I personally believe that foldable phones are a stupid fad, nothing more, and that market at large does not need them. These days, I usually go outside with iPhone 16 Pro Max, plus a super-light Macbook Air 13" in the backpack, for when I need something more. The latter is so slim and light, I do not even notice if it is in the bag or not.

 

[The Talking Tech]

And the Trump tariffs won't make them any cheaper.

 

[Hexic]

And the Trump tariffs won't make them any cheaper.

I think it's fair to say that due to Apple's historic pricing strategy... Tariffs won't be a significant issue here. This is allegedly so above the average phone price, tariffs or not, it's really a moot point. Similar logic could be applied to Samsung's Fold devices.

 

[The Talking Tech]

I think it's fair to say that due to Apple's historic pricing strategy... Tariffs won't be a significant issue here. This is allegedly so above the average phone price, tariffs or not, it's really a moot point. Similar logic could be applied to Samsung's Fold devices.

Remember when everyone used COVID as an excuse to raise their prices.... tariffs will be exactly what every company needed to raise them again, even those not even affected by it.

Prices will go up, that's not even a question, the real question is how much will the consumer be paying extra unnecessarily.

 

[Win7user]

You'd have to have rocks in your head to spend that kind of money on a phone...

 

[Kashim]

I think it's fair to say that due to Apple's historic pricing strategy... Tariffs won't be a significant issue here. This is allegedly so above the average phone price, tariffs or not, it's really a moot point. Similar logic could be applied to Samsung's Fold devices.

Yeah, that's not how large corporations operate when it comes to their profits. If you put an extra 20% tariff on their profits they're not going to simply ignore it and say "we're making plenty of money, let's just forget about that 20% the government will take from us" in tariffs.

You can bet that Apple has a specific profit margin in mind for this phone and any tariffs that will exist at the time will be calculated into that equation. This new Trumpian magic math where tariffs don't impact the final price of products is just wishful thinking nothing more.

Remember when everyone used COVID as an excuse to raise their prices.... tariffs will be exactly what every company needed to raise them again, even those not even affected by it.

This is exactly what will happen. Not only that, they will raise prices by more than the tariffs as a buffer. Some companies have already started doing it now even before any tariffs are taking effect.

 

[Hexic]

Yeah, that's not how large corporations operate when it comes to their profits. If you put an extra 20% tariff on their profits they're not going to simply ignore it and say "we're making plenty of money, let's just forget about that 20% the government will take from us" in tariffs.

You can bet that Apple has a specific profit margin in mind for this phone and any tariffs that will exist at the time will be calculated into that equation. This new Trumpian magic math where tariffs don't impact the final price of products is just wishful thinking nothing more.


This is exactly what will happen. Not only that, they will raise prices by more than the tariffs as a buffer. Some companies have already started doing it now even before any tariffs are taking effect.

Nobody said anything about forgetting the tariffs, or that they won't apply.

The price is simply so high already, it doesn't matter. The majority of purchasers who are heavily iCommitted will buy this device regardless, tariffs or not.

This is, again, a moot point.

 

[tehxion]

With production in 2027, this would likely go on sale in September 2028. Tariffs may be moot at that point, a new administration will soon be in place. The real question is what will inflation do in that time period!?

Apple will charge a premium, this device is 1.5 iPhones (twice the screen, two chassis, larger battery). It will eat into their (smaller) tablet sales, the iPad mini in particular, this will be a loss of revenue in that sector.

I currently carry an iPhone and iPad mini, keeping both updated every few years. This device would have me drop the iPad Mini for sure, perhaps even decreasing the total cost of ownership. Hopefully it supports the Pen.

As others have said, I'm not a fan of that crease in the fold, yuck! Apple does have a history of waiting until a technology is polished enough to swoop in and produce an excellent product. With the exception of their recent AI execution of course. Perhaps we will be surprised with this and their advances in materials, we know Apple is working with glass suppliers to advance in this area.

 

[Megalomaniac]

I still have iPhone 14 Pro Max 1TB.
Skipped 15 and skipped 16.
I need 2TB of storage.
I'm NOT upgrading till I get 2TB of storage.

I have absolutely 0 desire to have a folding phone.
If I need more screen real estate, I'd use iPad mini.

 

[p51d007]

The Apple sheeple & the "hollywood" type crowd will pay whatever they have to, to have one, so they can show it off to all their so called friends. And of course for like/shares/tweets.
Until they make the screen more scratch resistant, get rid of the crease, and GET THE PRICE down...forget it!

 

[ChrisH1]

I dunno that a 5.5" inner display and 7.8" unfolded display is worth it. It's not so much different that you'd say "oh sure that's great, don't need an iPad". With reasonable eyesight or good glasses, anything you could do on 7.8" you could manage on 5.5". If it was 5.5" to 10", sure.

 

[BuckarooBonzaii]

I think many companies will be watching how well a $2000 phone sells. It seems that when one company is successful others will follow. A $1000+ cell phone was unheard of years ago but is the norm in most cases today. It's going to be a waiting game.

 

[Win7user]

Nobody said anything about forgetting the tariffs, or that they won't apply.

The price is simply so high already, it doesn't matter. The majority of purchasers who are heavily iCommitted will buy this device regardless, tariffs or not.

This is, again, a moot point.

We'll, see