Apple's First Foldable iPhone: Mass Production in 2026, Price Tag Over $2,000, AI Experience as Core Selling Point

Apple's First Foldable iPhone: Mass Production in 2026, Price Tag Over $2,000, AI Experience as Core Selling PointA recent report by renowned industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo offers detailed insights into Apple's first foldable iPhone, covering hardware specifications, development progress, and market positioning. The report states that the large-size foldable iPhone's starting price is expected to exceed $2,000 to $2,500 (approximately 14,000 RMB), positioning it as a true AI phone aimed at delivering multimodal and cross-app AI experiences

Apple's First Foldable iPhone: Mass Production in 2026, Price Tag Over $2,000, AI Experience as Core Selling Point

A recent report by renowned industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo offers detailed insights into Apple's first foldable iPhone, covering hardware specifications, development progress, and market positioning. The report states that the large-size foldable iPhone's starting price is expected to exceed $2,000 to $2,500 (approximately 14,000 RMB), positioning it as a true AI phone aimed at delivering multimodal and cross-app AI experiences.

Kuo's analysis suggests that current smartphone manufacturers need to continuously increase screen sizes to enhance user experience with AI features, a key reason behind Apple's foray into the foldable market. The report indicates that Apple's first foldable phone will feature an inward-folding (large fold) design, with an approximately 5.5-inch outer screen and a 7.8-inch inner screen when unfolded, promising a crease-free display.

Regarding the camera system, Apple appears to have made some compromises. This foldable iPhone will feature a dual rear camera system, unlike the triple-camera setup found in its Pro series. Notably, it will include a front-facing camera on both the inner and outer screens. Due to the pursuit of extreme thinness, Apple has abandoned Face ID, but the report suggests that Touch ID fingerprint recognition may return, integrated into a side button.

The report also details the phone's dimensions and materials. Folded, it's expected to be approximately 9 to 9.5 mm thick, and unfolded, 4.5 to 4.8 mm. The hinge will use composite materials, while the frame will be made of durable titanium alloy. Furthermore, it will reportedly feature a next-generation high-density battery for improved battery life.

Kuo predicts that production of Apple's first foldable iPhone will begin in the third quarter of this year, with small-scale mass production anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2026, with initial shipments estimated at 3 to 5 million units. Shipment volumes are not likely to reach 20 million units until the second-generation product launches in 2027.

The delayed mass production until next year is attributed to two key factors: Apple's extremely high standards for hardware quality, particularly regarding the crease-free inner screen displaya technological hurdle currently being tackled by Android manufacturersand, according to AppleIntelligence's forecast, the expectation that foldable screen technology will not reach widespread adoption and mass-market viability until next year.

This highlights the AI-driven focus of Apple's foldable phone development. Apple aims to achieve optimal hardware-software balance, upholding its consistent commitment to prioritizing user experience.

The specifications and design details of this foldable iPhone underscore Apple's unwavering pursuit of product quality and user experience. From the large inner and outer screens to the crease-free display technology and the emphasis on thinness and durability, it showcases Apple's capabilities and ambition in the foldable phone arena. Positioning the AI experience as the core selling point further demonstrates Apple's accurate grasp of future mobile device trends.

The high price tag signals that this foldable iPhone is not targeted at the mass market but rather at high-end consumers. Apple sees this product as a crucial component of its competitiveness in the premium mobile device market, hoping to win over discerning customers with superior performance and user experience.

The 2026 mass production timeline also reflects Apple's cautious approach to foldable screen technology. Despite its strong supply chain management capabilities, Apple remains highly cautious in its first foray into foldable devices, prioritizing product quality and technological maturity. The strategy of small-scale initial production provides valuable time and experience for subsequent product iterations and improvements.

Kuo's report suggests that Apple's first foldable iPhone is not merely a follower but a bold attempt rooted in a profound understanding of future mobile device trends and confidence in its technological prowess. It represents a novel exploration in the foldable phone sector and hints at new directions for mobile device development.

The success or failure of this phone will significantly impact Apple's market competitiveness and have far-reaching consequences for the mobile device industry. Whether Apple can leverage its powerful brand influence, leading technological capabilities, and commitment to user experience to stand out in this fiercely competitive market remains to be seen.

In conclusion, Apple's first foldable iPhone is not only a significant addition to the foldable phone market but also a bold exploration of future mobile device forms. Its high price, advanced AI capabilities, and focus on user experience suggest it will be a heavyweight contender in the high-end smartphone market. Whether Apple can establish a foothold in the foldable phone market with this product remains to be seen, but its arrival will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the industry. With technological advancements and market maturation, foldable phones may become the dominant form of smartphones in the future, and Apple's entry will undoubtedly accelerate this trend. The mass production marks Apple's official entry into the foldable phone competition, offering consumers a new choice and injecting new vitality into the entire smartphone market. Ultimately, the market will determine the value and impact of Apple's product.