Apple Foldable iPhone Set to Launch in 2026 With Premium Design and Price

Apple is finally entering the foldable smartphone segment but in classic Apple style, it's doing it on its own terms and timeline. Apple's first foldable iPhone is set to launch in September 2026 as part of the iPhone 18 series, at a premium price tag of $1,999 (approximately ₹1.75 lakh), as per a report by JPMorgan (via CNBC). That's in line with the price of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, a full seventh-generation foldable. So why would anyone care about Apple's first-generation foldable, let alone at this price point? Let's take a look at what Apple might bring to the equation and why this debut could remake the category in its image.

Apple Comes Late

Apple has never been first to lead on nascent tech trends. Apple wasn't the first to produce smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, or true wireless earbuds. However, the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods became de facto industry standards, frequently trouncing the early players. The same pattern is appearing to repeat itself with foldables.

Instead of acting with haste to enter a new product category, Apple waits for central components such as displays, hinges, and battery life to mature. This enables the company to iterate on a product that is less tentative and more ready for consumer consumption. With the likes of Samsung, Honor, and Vivo already multiple generations into foldables, Apple is obviously observing, learning, and gearing up for a more mature implementation.

Rumoured Specs and Features

The Apple Foldable iPhone will reportedly have a book-like shape, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold line. Leaks suggest the phone might have a 5.49-inch external display and a 7.76-inch internal display, which will be provided by Samsung Display. One of the largest complaints about today's foldables the crease down the inner screen that is visible to the eye could entirely be eliminated in Apple's version, due to new advances in flexible display technology.

Camera-wise, foldable iPhone may feature dual 48MP rear cameras, which indicates it will not be as camera-driven as the Pro devices in the iPhone 16 or 17 series. There are also rumors of a side-mounted Touch ID sensor, taking the place of Face ID, probably because of the tight space real estate in a foldable design.

Internally, Apple will likely fit in a high-density silicon-carbon battery, which will add to the slender form factor with the device folded at only 4.5 to 4.8mm. This will enable Apple to directly compete with foldables such as the Honor Magic V5 and Vivo X Fold5 that focus on slimness and high-end multitasking capabilities.

iOS 27: Built for Foldables?

One of Apple’s biggest advantages over rivals is its deep integration between hardware and software, and the company seems to be leveraging that with the upcoming iOS 27. The next-gen iOS version is reportedly being developed with foldable devices in mind and could feature interface elements borrowed from iPadOS, such as multitasking tools, floating windows, split-screen apps, and more.

This could be a game-changer. While Android-powered foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Vivo X Fold5 are improving, Android still struggles with large-screen optimization, particularly with third-party apps. Apple’s tighter control over the app ecosystem could result in a more seamless user experience across the inner and outer displays, turning the foldable iPhone into a true productivity tool.

Hardware Innovation and Build Quality

Longevity has been a chronic problem with foldables even the best contemporary models are still delicate, with hinge systems vulnerable to dust and wear. Apple is said to be pushing back on such problems with high-end materials such as a titanium frame and liquid metal hinges, along with a almost-crease-free display that would significantly enhance long-term accessibility.

Given Apple’s track record think Apple Watch’s water/dust resistance and Vision Pro’s complex sensor integration there’s good reason to believe the foldable iPhone will offer top-notch materials engineering and robust build quality. This focus on reliability could help Apple attract cautious buyers who have so far avoided foldables due to durability fears.

Where Does It Stand Among Foldable Competitors?

The 2025 foldable flagship lineup will be very strong. For example, it will carry devices such as the Galaxy Z Fold7, Honor Magic V5, and Vivo X Fold5 with major improvements in displays, design, cameras, and AI-assisted multitasking. The Galaxy Z Fold7, for example, has already been praised in many regards as a balance between a phone and tablet, supported by an impressive productivity suite.

However, Apple’s strength lies elsewhere in ecosystem integration, software support, and customer trust. Despite possibly modest hardware specs compared to competitors, the first-gen foldable iPhone could feel more premium simply because it “just works.” That ease of use and familiarity with iOS could be more appealing to mainstream users than sheer specs.

Touch ID over Face ID

Because of the compact space requirements of the foldable form factor, Apple might not integrate its Face ID technology into this device. Instead, a side-mounted Touch ID sensor could be utilized for biometric authentication. Although this is a step backward from Face ID in terms of innovation, it's a pragmatic concession — and one that a lot of users might not complain about, particularly with the faster responsiveness of fingerprint sensors these days.

Who Should Consider the Foldable iPhone?

If you are an iPhone user who is curious about foldables but willing to invest in a new form factor for media consumption, multitasking, and split-view productivity, then this device is worth waiting for. If you are on Android but haven't yet committed to a foldable because of software inconsistencies or concerns over the durability of a foldable, Apple's foldable might just be the one that will finally bring you over.

However, for a product that will give better value or a more polished product, then waiting for the 2027 second-generation model will be a better move. Typically, the second iteration of Apple's product would have fine-tuned everything and ironed out the wrinkles and feedbacks for the first release.

The Apple Foldable iPhone, which will presumably arrive in September 2026, has the makings of one of the most eagerly anticipated launches in recent memory from the Cupertino company. At a whopping $1,999 premium price, however, this won't appeal to everyone. If Apple, though, can get that crease-free display, defend the durability, and offer its best, most refined take on foldable iOS so far, this might just spell the mainstreaming of foldables once and for all.

Samsung and other brands first may have popularized the category, but once again, Apple will make it popular and redefine it as with mobile phones, tablets, and wearable devices. Whether or not you plan to buy it, one thing is certain: the foldable iPhone will be a defining moment in mobile technology.