Apple’s first Foldable iPhone could debut alongside iPhone 18 in 2026: Report

Apple appears to be gearing up to dive into the foldable smartphone arena, with new insights suggesting that a foldable iPhone could be in the pipeline for a 2026 release. While the tech giant has not yet officially announced these plans, analysts and various media reports indicate that development is progressing, with a potential launch in the latter half of that year. According to renowned tech journalist Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, the foldable iPhone is anticipated to debut alongside the iPhone 18 series. This would represent a significant design evolution for Apple, marking the most substantial change since the introduction of the iPhone X and adding a fresh form factor to its renowned smartphone lineup. Leaked information hints at a design reminiscent of a book, akin to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series. The device is expected to feature a 7.8-inch foldable inner display paired with a 5.5-inch outer screen. When unfolded, the phone's thickness is projected to be around 4.5mm, increasing to approximately 9mm when closed, positioning it among the slimmest foldable devices currently available. Pricing for the foldable iPhone is speculated to be in the ultra-premium category, with estimates around $2,000, equivalent to approximately ₹1.72 lakh in India. Known for its measured approach to new product categories, Apple typically waits for technology to evolve before introducing its own version. In the foldable market, manufacturers like Samsung have already released several generations of devices, addressing challenges such as hinge durability and screen creases—issues Apple is reportedly looking to mitigate with enhanced hinge mechanisms and sleeker display materials. The upcoming model may also diverge from recent iPhone offerings in other ways. There's speculation that it might replace FaceID with a side-mounted TouchID sensor, likely to maintain its slender design. Furthermore, a new dual-lens rear camera system alongside a Meta Lens front camera is reportedly under development. On the software side, it seems that iOS 27 is being customized to maximize the capabilities of the foldable format, with features aimed at improving multitasking and split-screen functionality, and potentially offering support for the Apple Pencil. China is anticipated to be a primary market for the foldable iPhone, given the rising interest in foldable devices there. However, the availability of the first-generation model in other global markets remains uncertain.