The world of smartphones is folding—literally—and Apple may finally be ready to join the game. After years of rumors, patents, and speculation, new reports suggest that a foldable iPhone could arrive as early as 2026. But in a twist that’s turning heads, Samsung, Apple’s long-time rival, might actually be the one supplying the cutting-edge folding display. With Android foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold and Motorola Razr already well established, the pressure is on Apple to deliver something truly innovative. So, what makes this foldable iPhone different—and is it worth the wait?
What’s the Buzz?
Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone—potentially by Fall 2026. The big questions are:
- Will it fold like a book or flip like a clamshell?
- How will it compare to foldable Android phones?
- And why is Samsung, Apple’s rival, involved?
A Quick History of Apple’s Foldable Tech Journey
Apple has been quietly tinkering with folding tech for years:
| Year | Patent or Rumor | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Folding device that heals itself | A screen material that fills in scratches with heat |
| Ongoing | Foldable screen iPad | Could double as a MacBook |
| Ongoing | Scrolling screens | Stretchable and bendable form factor |
“Just because there’s a patent, doesn’t mean the product is coming now. But when multiple analyst reports appear frequently, it’s a signal Apple is getting close.”
Ming-Chi Kuo’s Predictions: The iPhone Fold
Respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the folding iPhone will feature:
- Book-style design
- 7.8–8-inch crease-free inner screen
- 5.5-inch outer display
- Touch ID on a side button (Face ID may be too bulky)
- $2,000–$2,500 price tag
“This would be the most expensive iPhone ever — but in line with Samsung’s $2,000 Z Fold 7.”
Expected Hardware Specs
According to analyst leaks:
- Triple Camera Setup:
- Dual-lens rear camera
- One front-facing camera (when closed)
- One internal camera (when open)
- Folded thickness: ~9 mm (compared to iPhone 16 Pro’s 8.25 mm)
- Battery: Likely to match the rumored ultra-thin iPhone 17‘s high-density battery
Who’s Building the Screens?
Surprisingly — or maybe not — Samsung Display is expected to provide the folding screens.
| Manufacturer | Role in Foldable iPhone |
|---|---|
| Samsung Display | Likely building Apple’s crease-free screen |
| LG Display | Makes standard displays for Apple, not foldables |
“Samsung seems to know what they’re doing after 7+ years of folding phones.”
Tech Highlights (Rumored)
- Laser-drilled hinges – May add cost, but improve durability
- High-density battery tech – Shared across future ultra-thin models
- Crease-free display – One of the biggest challenges in foldable tech
Should You Wait?
If you’re tempted by Samsung’s Z Fold but want to stay in the Apple ecosystem, the wait might finally be worth it.
But at $2,500, you could:
- Buy two regular iPhones, or
- Get a foldable Samsung device today, or
- …Tape two phones together and pretend. 😉
“I just want a folding clamshell iPhone I can fit in my pocket again.”
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release | Possibly Fall 2026 |
| Design | Book-style fold |
| Display Maker | Samsung Display |
| Biometric | Touch ID (side-mounted) |
| Price | $2,000–$2,500 |
| Screen | 7.8–8″ inner, 5.5″ outer |
| Battery | Shared with rumored iPhone 17 |
What Do You Think?
Will Apple’s foldable phone redefine the category—or is it just playing catch-up? Would you pay $2,000+ for a foldable iPhone?
Drop your thoughts below!
Thanks for reading — we’ll catch you next time with One More Thing.