Apple’s first foldable iPhone has been speculated about for years now and more details on its design, features and pricing recently surfaced from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This is in contrast to its competitors for whom a high-end build and cutting edge technology used in a book style foldable phone and the focus on AI driven functionality has not yet been introduced.
In this article, we will discuss Apple’s first foldable iPhone, its expected design, features, specifications, price, launch date and many more things about it.
Expected Features and Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Name | Apple Foldable iPhone (First-Gen) |
| Display Size | 7.8-inch inner screen, 5.5-inch outer screen |
| Display Type | Crease-free OLED |
| Primary Camera | Dual-lens rear camera |
| Selfie Camera | Front-facing camera (both modes) |
| Processor | Likely Apple A19 or M-series chip |
| Software | iOS with Al-driven enhancements |
| Battery | High-capacity battery, fast charging |
| Security | Touch ID (side button) |
| Build Material | Titanium alloy with stainless steel hinge |
| Price Range | ₹1,65,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
| Release Timeline | Late 2026 (mass production) |
Design and Display
According to reports, Apple’s foldable iPhone would employ a book-style design, which means a 7.8 inch, crease free inner display and a 5.5 inch outer display. Both this format and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series are similar but Apple plans to also eliminate the crease problems of the current foldable phones.
When folded the device will be 9–9.5mm thick, but when unfolded it will be just 4.5–4.8mm making it incredibly slim for a foldable phone. Therefore, the hinge is made of titanium alloy and stainless steel for ensuring durability, while a premium look and feel is kept in effect.
Camera and Security Features
The foldable iPhone will have a theatre-style dual-lens rear camera system that is optimized for photography in camera folded as well as in camera unfolded mode. Exact megapixels are still unknown, but it’s widely expected that the company will include the latest computational photography and AI driven camera kicks.
Space constraints could prevent Apple from skipping Face ID and relying instead on the Touch ID integrated into the side button for security. It’s a decision that moves in keeping with previous Apple devices, like the iPad Air and iPad mini, that have Touch ID on the power button.
AI-Driven Functionality
The foldable iPhone is one of the most exciting chapters to the history of the foldable smartphones. It will be focusing on AI driven features. The new phone is to be positioned by Apple as a ‘True AI driven’ phone, able to perform multimodal functionality and leverage integration across all apps.
For example, users could:
- The system is said to allow you to chat with AI while navigating maps.
- Mixing generated text into emails and messages
- Experience real-time AI-powered language translation
That’s the move toward using AI features for Apple, and Apple’s investment in machine learning and on device intelligence is growing.
Apple Foldable iPhone Price: Justified or Overpriced?
The other contentious issue, as is usually the case for any revolutionary product, is the price. It is expected to cost between ₹1,65,000 and ₹2,06,000. With this price, Apple’s first foldable iPhone will be one of the most expensive smartphones in the market, exceeding even Samsung’s Galaxy Z fold 5 ($1,799).
Why is it so expensive?
- Durability: With titanium alloy and stainless steel, durability is increased but also production costs are multiplied.
- Difficult to manufacture, expensive and crease free, OLED is a dynamic material for advanced display technology.
- Brand Loyalty and Integration into the Ecosystem: As a result, Apple’s products frequently draw a premium on account of brand loyalty and the integration of the ecosystem.
- Apple’s AI advancements can put exclusive features and make the product really differ from those in the market.
Even if the price is high, Apple’s loyal customer base could still result in demand, especially from early adopters and technology enthusiasts.
Production and Launch Timeline
Ming-Chi Kuo also said that the specs are supposed to be finalized by Q2 2025 and the project kicked off by Q3 2025. In Q4 2026, this mass production is expected to start and the first units could hit the market in late 2026 or early 2027.
First, Apple is initially looking to sell 3-5 million units the first year, a conservative and limited launch. Following the launch of the second-generation foldable iPhone in 2027, the company could increase production to 20 million units.
Potential Challenges for Apple
As expectations of Apple’s first foldable iPhone rise, so too do the challenges that might lead to failure for it.
- Delicacy: Foldable displays are delicate so Apple needs to build it in a durable fashion prior to mass producing.
- iOS lacks more multitasking features to take full advantage of a foldable design.
- High Price Barrier: With a price tag of $2,500, the foldable iPhone is unlikely to be accessible for many users.
- Battery Life Concerns: Since such a foldable display will take so much juice, Apple will have to carry this tradeoff in size for better battery life.