Apple's First Foldable iPhone: A Late 2026 Launch with a Price Tag Exceeding $20,000?

Apple's First Foldable iPhone: A Late 2026 Launch with a Price Tag Exceeding $20,000?Beyond its high-end positioning, this foldable iPhone is also envisioned as a truly "AI-powered" device. The larger screen significantly enhances multitasking efficiency and experience, perfectly complementing AI-driven applications

Apple's First Foldable iPhone: A Late 2026 Launch with a Price Tag Exceeding $20,000?

Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently offered a detailed prediction regarding Apple's highly anticipated first foldable iPhone. His forecast suggests that this groundbreaking device, marking Apple's entry into the foldable phone market, will debut as early as late 2026. Kuo positions this foldable iPhone as a top-tier flagship within Apple's product line, predicting a price exceeding $2,000, potentially much higher, setting a new price ceiling for the iPhone series. However, Kuo also believes that strong market demand, particularly among high-end users, will be generated by its unique design and functionality, provided the product quality meets expectations.

Conservatively estimating a starting price of $1,999 and referencing the price difference between the recently released Mac Studio in the US and China, the Chinese price for this foldable iPhone is projected to be no less than 16,499 RMB. While this price is undeniably steep, its premium positioning and potential innovative features might garner market acceptance.

Beyond its high-end positioning, this foldable iPhone is also envisioned as a truly "AI-powered" device. The larger screen significantly enhances multitasking efficiency and experience, perfectly complementing AI-driven applications. Users can simultaneously engage in conversations with AI, such as planning a trip, while viewing a complete map application on the larger screen, enabling seamless cross-app integration. This highly integrated interaction method will be a crucial trend in the future development of smart devices.

Rumors about Apple's foldable iPhone have circulated for some time. Kuo's latest predictions further clarify key design parameters: a book-style folding design featuring an approximately 7.8-inch crease-free inner screen and a 5.5-inch outer screen. The "crease-free" inner screen is a significant highlight, as current foldable phones struggle to completely eliminate screen creases. According to a report from ETNews a week prior, Apple has invested heavily in collaboration with suppliers to develop new materials to achieve this goal, aiming to deliver a dramatically different user experience compared to existing products.

Regarding the physical design, Kuo predicts the foldable iPhone will have a thickness of approximately 9 to 9.5 millimeters when folded, and 4.5 to 4.8 millimeters when unfolded. While not the thinnest foldable phone, this is still close to industry-leading levels. Furthermore, it will feature a durable titanium alloy body, a hinge made of stainless steel and titanium alloy, dual rear cameras, and a front-facing camera usable in both folded and unfolded states.

To achieve a thin and refined design, Apple might compromise on some features. Kuo predicts the omission of Face ID, replacing it with Touch ID integrated into the side power button, similar to the iPad Air. This would be the first iPhone with a side-mounted Touch ID power button, abandoning the iconic Home button fingerprint unlocking method, potentially presenting a novel experience for some users.

Kuo also forecasts that the final specifications for the foldable iPhone will be determined in Q2 2025, with the project officially commencing in Q3 2025, and mass production scheduled to begin in Q4 2026. Therefore, the launch is likely in late 2026 or early 2027. Mass production of the second-generation foldable iPhone is projected to start in the second half of 2027.

Due to the complex manufacturing process of foldable phones, shipments of the first foldable iPhone in 2026 might only reach 3 to 5 million units. However, total sales, including the second-generation model, are expected to climb to 20 million units by 2027.

Additionally, it's rumored that Apple is exploring larger foldable devices, such as an 18-inch foldable MacBook/iPad, also employing crease-free technology.

As Apple's first foray into the foldable phone market, this foldable iPhone, if it achieves the predicted crease-free inner screen design and combines it with Apple's unique AI and iOS user experience, will undoubtedly appeal strongly to loyal fans of the Apple ecosystem. Even at a high price point, many users are likely to be willing to purchase it.

Further details about this foldable iPhone await disclosure. We anticipate more leaks in the future, unveiling the mysteries of this intriguing device. What are your expectations for Apple's foldable iPhone? Share your thoughts in the comments.