Introduction
Apple has always been the company that defines the future of smartphones. Now, all eyes are on 2026, when rumors suggest the tech giant will finally launch its first Foldable iPhone. From its thin book-style design to cutting-edge hardware and software upgrades, this move will make Apple a serious competitor in the rapidly evolving foldable smartphone market.
iPhone 17 Event 2025: Laying the Foundation
At the iPhone 17 event in 2025, Apple hinted that its future devices would bring transformative changes. This event wasn’t just about iterative improvements—it served as the launchpad for Apple’s foldable vision that will debut the following year.
Apple’s Foldable Phone: Arrival in 2026
Industry insiders expect that the Foldable iPhone (possibly named iPhone Fold or iPhone Flip) will arrive in fall 2026. The device will feature a book-style folding design with a large inner display for productivity and entertainment, and a compact external screen for quick interactions.
iPhone Air: The New Super-Thin Model
Alongside the foldable, Apple is preparing to unveil the iPhone Air, a super-slim alternative:
- Expected to replace Apple’s Plus-sized iPhones
- Engineered with Apple’s in-house C1 modem chip for faster and more stable connectivity
- Positioned as Apple’s competitor to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
Foldable iPhone Design Insights
The foldable iPhone is rumored to be:
- 9.0–9.5mm thick when folded, and just 4.5–4.8mm when opened
- Lacking the TrueDepth camera system for Face ID due to space constraints
- Built for durability with an advanced hinge and larger inner display resembling a mini tablet
Advanced Camera Setup: Four-Lens System
The device is tipped to feature four cameras:
- A front camera on the outer display
- An inner display selfie camera
- A primary rear camera for high-resolution shots
- An ultra-wide or telephoto secondary lens
This combination suggests Apple aims to balance both productivity and high-quality photography in its foldable model.
Biometric Features: Touch ID Over Face ID
With thickness and design limitations in play, Apple may bring back Touch ID in the foldable iPhone—either as an under-display sensor or a side-mounted button—making it more practical than the bulkier Face ID TrueDepth system.
Connectivity: Goodbye SIM Card Slot
Just like recent iPhones, the foldable is likely to skip the SIM card slot altogether. Instead, it will rely solely on Apple’s in-house C1 modem and eSIM technology, a move clearly aligned with Apple’s future vision of wireless-only connectivity.
Pricing Expectations and Market Competition
Given Apple’s position in the premium market:
- The foldable iPhone could be priced higher than the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Flip 7 SE
- Positioned as a luxury lifestyle device rather than just another smartphone
- Likely to appeal to Apple enthusiasts and professionals who seek productivity and exclusivity in one device
Launch Timeline: Fall 2026 Release
- Mass production is expected to begin in early 2026
- The official launch window is Fall 2026—most likely at Apple’s September keynote event
2027: The Year of Design Overhaul
Apple’s roadmap doesn’t end here. By 2027, the iPhone may undergo a complete transformation:
- Moving from flat, squared edges to curved glass edges
- Introducing the futuristic Liquid Glass interface in iOS 26, designed to make navigation and multitasking more fluid
Conclusion
2025 set the stage with the iPhone 17, but the real shift arrives in 2026 with Apple’s foldable iPhone. And by 2027, Apple promises a complete design revolution. For now, the tech world is buzzing with anticipation—because if history has taught us anything, Apple won’t just join a trend, it will redefine it.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available reports, speculations, and credible leaks. Official details will only be confirmed once Apple makes an announcement. The content here is intended for informational purposes only.
About the Author
