Apple is about to make its long-awaited move into the foldable smartphone market. Although the company traditionally waits for technologies to mature before adopting them, data from the supply chain and analysts in the summer of 2026 indicate that the premiere is very close.
Here is everything we know so far about Apple's ambitious project, which will most likely bear the name iPhone Ultra rather than the internet-popular "iPhone Fold".
Design and Displays
Apple is relying on the classic "book-style" format for this segment, which will open to reveal a large internal screen. The company's focus falls on clean design and the elimination of the typical flaws of foldable phones.
- Screen sizes: The device will feature an external screen of about 5.5 inches and a spacious 7.8-inch internal display with a 4:3 aspect ratio.
- Invisible folding edge: According to rumors, Apple has invested heavily in developing new materials and ultra-thin glass (UTG), thanks to which the crease in the middle of the screen will be completely invisible.
- Extremely thin profile: The device will be only about 4.5 mm thick when unfolded.
Hardware and Specifications
The pursuit of a minimalist and thin design imposes some interesting compromises and innovations in hardware terms.
- End of Face ID: Due to the extremely thin profile, there is no room in the device for the complex TrueDepth camera system. Instead, Apple brings back Touch ID, which will be integrated directly into the power button.
- Processor and memory: The foldable model will be equipped with the latest A20 Pro chip, making it an extremely powerful tool for multitasking.
- Cameras: Dual 48-megapixel main cameras and dual 18-megapixel front cameras are expected. Due to the lack of physical space, the model will not feature a telephoto lens.
Price, Release, and Market Impact
The first foldable iPhone will be positioned as an ultra-premium device and will certainly not be budget-friendly.
- Release date: Mass production is expected to be already underway, and the official presentation is to take place in September 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series. Due to manufacturing challenges, initial availability may be limited to around 7-8 million units.
- Price: Projections indicate that the starting price will be between $1,999 and $2,300, making it the most expensive iPhone in the company's history.
- Blow to the competition: Despite the high price, Counterpoint Research analysts predict that Apple will capture an impressive 25% of the global foldable phone market in its debut year alone. This will significantly narrow the lead of current leader Samsung, whose market share is expected to drop to 32%.
Apple's entry into this category will not only intensify competition, but is expected to turn foldable phones from experimental gadgets into mainstream productivity tools.
