While the iPhone 17 launch is imminent, industry experts are looking further ahead. New reports suggest Apple is preparing to enter the foldable phone market in 2026.
According to a recent Bloomberg report by respected analyst Mark Gurman, Apple’s first foldable device is in development. This move will mark a significant new direction for the company’s smartphone lineup.
Gurman’s report suggests that the device will be a “book-style” foldable, opening to reveal a larger inner display, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series and the Google Pixel Fold. It will not be a clamshell “flip” style device like the Motorola Razr. Gurman suggests it will likely be named the “iPhone Fold.”
Apple’s new three-year iPhone roadmap is a slim Air phone (2025), Foldable device (2026), All-Glass 20th Anniversary model (2027).
They should scrap those and just make the iPhone Chunk: huge battery life, indestructible and no camera bump. pic.twitter.com/6o27zaBPyv
— Trung Phan (@TrungTPhan) August 25, 2025Foldable iPhone Key Speculated Features
The report highlights several anticipated features that differentiate it from current iPhones:
- Four-Camera System: The device is expected to have a total of four cameras: one on the cover display, one on the internal display, and two on the rear. The main rear sensor will likely capture higher-resolution images than the front-facing cameras.
- Touch ID Over Face ID: In a surprising shift, the foldable iPhone may not include Face ID. Apple is expected to use Touch ID, potentially integrated into the power button. This design choice likely aims to keep the device thin when folded.
- No SIM Card Slot: Following the trend set in the US, the device will probably be eSIM-only, relying on Apple’s proprietary modem for connectivity.
The price for Apple’s inaugural foldable iPhone remains unofficial. However, financial firm JPMorgan estimates a starting price of around $1,999 in the United States. This premium price point aligns with current high-end foldable devices. The anticipated launch window is set for 2026.
