Apple's Initial Foldable iPhone: All You Have to Know About the 2026 Release
Apple fans, get ready: the tech giant is making a bold move into the foldable smartphone market. Multiple sources now confirm that Apple plans to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026 as part of the iPhone 18 lineup. But this isn’t just any foldable—Apple is betting big, with design innovations, cutting-edge engineering, and a strategy that could redefine the market.
The Foldable Revolution: Why 2026 is Apple's Year
Unlike rival companies, Apple seldom hurries to market. As Samsung and Chinese companies have been trying out foldable phones for years, Apple is waiting patiently, with a strategy.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple has increased production targets:
- 2026: 8–10 million foldable iPhones
- 2027: 20–25 million foldable iPhones
In comparison, Samsung will offer only 2.4 million units of its Galaxy Fold 7, so Apple's goal is practically ten times bigger than that of some rivals. That speaks volumes about the company's confidence in the product and the increased interest in an iOS foldable.
What Sets Apple's Foldable iPhone Apart
- Book-like design with a 7.8-inch inner screen
- 5.5-inch external screen for simple tasks
- Inward-folding screen with a minimal crease
- Titanium frame and robust Liquid Metal hinge for up to 20,000 open-and-close cycles
- Carbon-lithium battery for all-day battery life in a thin profile
The foldable form factor enables multitasking, video recording using the back camera while displaying the cover screen as a teleprompter, and mini-laptop-like capabilities—something others have not yet been able to get right.
Strategic Timing: Biding Your Time
Apple is not in a hurry. Initial foldables were plagued by durability problems, excessive cost, and folded-up screens. Apple gained insight from Samsung and other makers' early mistakes by watching and learning.
Samsung's recent success of 50% higher pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 indicates that the technology is now ready to go mainstream. Apple's conservative strategy means the foldable iPhone arrives when the market and technology are ready, maximizing both user experience and profitability.
The Market Opportunity: A Billion-Dollar Bet
The foldable smartphone market is estimated to expand to $118.87 billion by 2030. Analysts predict that Apple may sell 45 million foldable iPhones in 2029, potentially releasing $65 billion in revenue and providing high-single-digit EPS growth.
Production and Pricing: Premium by Design
Production will start with Foxconn in the later part of 2025, with the initial wave pegged at 10–15 million units. The speculated $1,999 price point makes it Apple's priciest iPhone so far, but analysts are predicting healthy margins of 53%–58%.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
Apple's foldable iPhone will be better than Samsung's Galaxy Fold 7 and handsets from companies like Honor and Oppo in build quality, screen engineering, ecosystem integration, and mainstream usability.
Conclusion: The Future in Your Hands
Apple's foldable iPhone is not just a gadget—it's a statement. With its release in 2026, Apple is looking to revolutionize smartphones, capture premium foldable market share, and provide a seamless experience via its ecosystem of apps and services.
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