Foldable iPhone Finally Coming in 2026 — What to Expect

Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to hit the market in 2026. The company plans to incorporate this year‘s iPhone Air technology to achieve an ultra-slim design.

On Tuesday, industry sources reported that Bloomberg’s well-known tech insider Mark Gurman revealed that Apple has decided to launch the foldable iPhone in 2026. Gurman added that the device will incorporate many features in the upcoming iPhone 17 Air.

Market analysts predict that Apple will introduce its foldable iPhone by late 2026. Its estimated price range is $2,000 to $2,500, potentially making it the most expensive foldable smartphone.

Unlike Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series, which features a clamshell design, Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to adopt a book-style form similar to the Galaxy Z Fold. To maintain a sleek profile, Apple will likely utilize the ultra-thin technology from the iPhone 17 Air, which is scheduled for release in September, to reduce the thickness of the foldable iPhone.

The iPhone 17 Air, set to debut in September as part of the iPhone 17 lineup, is rumored to be Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever, measuring just 5.5mm. Apple is expected to scale down components such as the camera and speakers to achieve this design, prioritizing a slim profile over high-end hardware.

Gurman suggested that Apple may initially release a foldable iPhone as a limited-edition device due to its manufacturing complexity.

Another prominent Apple analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo from TF Securities, has previously claimed that the foldable iPhone will feature a 7.8-inch (19.8cm) internal display and a 5.5-inch (14cm) external display, making it comparable in size to the iPad Mini, which has a 21cm screen.

Gurman also reported that Apple is developing camera-equipped Apple Watches and AirPods to expand its AI-powered Visual Intelligence capabilities. These new devices could be unveiled as early as 2027.

According to Gurman, Apple plans to integrate cameras into its wearables, placing them on the side of the Apple Watch Ultra and embedding them within the display of standard Apple Watch models. This innovation would allow the Apple Watch to recognize its surroundings and provide real-time contextual information.

Apple is also expected to introduce next-generation AirPods equipped with built-in cameras, which will enable them to capture visual data and deliver AI-powered voice notifications about the user’s environment.