For years, rumors of a foldable iPhone have sparked excitement and skepticism in equal measure. Once projected to arrive as early as 2020, the elusive device now looks more likely to debut in late 2026, according to multiple reports and industry insiders.

Apple’s foldable iPhone, sometimes referred to as the iPhone Fold or iPhone Flip, has faced repeated delays since speculation began in 2018. Sources including The Information, The Wall Street Journal, Ming-Chi Kuo, and Mark Gurman suggest that the design and specifications will be finalized by mid-2025, with production scheduled for late 2026.

Samsung Display president Lee Cheong recently confirmed that his company is supplying foldable OLED panels to a “North American client” for mass production in 2026, strongly hinting at Apple.

Design rumors and prototypes

Apple has reportedly tested both clamshell-style flip phones and book-style foldable designs. More recent leaks suggest the company will favor a vertical book fold, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series.

The hinge is expected to be a standout feature, with materials like titanium alloy and LiquidMetal under consideration. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims Apple has developed a system to reduce or eliminate the crease, using metal plates to distribute bending stress.

Size and dimensions

Reports indicate the foldable iPhone will feature a 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.5-inch external screen. The device may measure around 9.5mm when folded and 4.5mm when unfolded — making it slimmer than many competitors.

For comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 8.5mm thick, while Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air is rumored to slim down to as little as 5.5mm.

Expected features and specs

While exact specifications remain unclear, the foldable iPhone will likely carry Apple’s future A20 or A20 Pro chip, paired with in-house cellular and wireless components.

Unlike other iPhones, it may not support Face ID due to its thin design. Instead, Touch ID could be integrated into the power button. Reports also suggest it will carry two rear cameras and dual front-facing cameras for use in both folded and unfolded modes.

Apple is expected to tailor iOS 27, set to launch in 2026, with features designed specifically for the foldable form factor.

Folding iPhone price tag

The foldable iPhone won’t come cheap. Analysts expect it to launch as an ultra-premium model priced between $2,000 and $2,299, nearly double the cost of the current iPhone Pro Max. Production numbers are expected to be limited initially, with broader availability expected by 2027.

While foldable phones have already hit the market from Samsung, Google, and others, Apple’s entry could redefine the segment. However, given Apple’s history of pushing back timelines, consumers should remain cautious until an official announcement.

If launched as planned, the folding iPhone would mark Apple’s most radical design shift since the original iPhone in 2007.