According to industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market with a device that could reshape competition in the premium segment.
Kuo's recent report outlines several key details about Apple's first foldable iPhone, which is expected to begin mass production in late 2026 with a potential release in early 2027.
Price point and positioning
The foldable iPhone will reportedly be positioned as an ultra-premium device with a price tag potentially exceeding $2,000-$2,500, placing it above current offerings like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold series. Despite this high price, Kuo anticipates strong demand from Apple's customer base if the device meets expectations.
Design specifications
The report describes a book-style foldable with a 7.8-inch internal display and approximately 5.5-inch external screen. Notable engineering achievements include:
- A crease-free main display
- Remarkably thin profile: 9-9.5mm when folded and 4.5-4.8mm unfolded
- Titanium and stainless steel alloy hinge construction
- Titanium casing for durability and weight reduction
- High-density battery cells similar to those planned for the rumored iPhone 17 Air
Authentication and camera system
According to Kuo, Apple may implement Touch ID via a side button rather than Face ID, citing thickness and internal space constraints. The device is expected to feature a dual rear camera setup and a front-facing camera accessible in both folded and unfolded states.
AI capabilities
The foldable iPhone is described as potentially being a "True AI-driven iPhone" with enhanced Apple Intelligence features. Kuo suggests the larger display would enable improved multimodal functionality and cross-app integration, such as simultaneously chatting with AI assistants while viewing full-screen maps.
Development timeline
The report outlines a development schedule where final specifications would be confirmed in Q2 2025, with the project officially starting in Q3 2025. Mass production would begin in Q4 2026, with shipments estimated at 3-5 million units initially. Kuo predicts total shipments could reach 20 million units by 2027, including a second-generation model potentially launching in the second half of that year.
For context, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6 reportedly reached nearly 3 million shipments within five months of release.
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Thomas Gabe
is a seasoned technology editor based in Berlin, Italy. With over 5 years of experience, Thomas excels at making complex tech topics. He holds a Computer Science degree and in his free time, he enjoys experimenting with gadgets and mentoring budding tech journalists.