After many years of appearing in the form of rumors, Apple's first foldable screen iPhone seems to be getting closer to its launch date.
Recent reports show that this device has passed an important testing phase and may be officially launched in 2026, marking a major turning point in Apple's design strategy.
According to a report from UDN (China), Apple engineers have made a breakthrough in developing pleated screens that do not leave folds, which is the biggest problem that pleated phone manufacturers currently cannot solve thoroughly. This achievement is said to have helped the project enter the pre-production phase.
If the roadmap is correct, the iPhone with foldable screen may be launched earliest in September 2026. This will be the time Apple officially enters the foldable phone market, a field that the company has been closely monitoring since competitors such as Samsung or Huawei launched the first product in 2018.
The most notable point is the expected price. According to Fubon Research's analysis, iPhone Fold (foldable screen phone) may be sold for up to 2,399 USD, higher than any folding phone currently on the market.
Meanwhile, products from Samsung, Google or Motorola usually range in the range of 700 - 2,000 USD.
Some other forecasts are more optimistic. UBS analysts believe that the selling price may be in the range of 1,800 - 2,000 USD. No matter what the level, iPhone Fold will still far exceed the price of current high-end iPhone models. Apple has not yet made any official comments related to this device.
Analysts believe that high prices do not only come from the brand. If Apple really eliminates screen folds, something that no other company has done completely, this will be a great technological advantage, enough to convince loyal customer groups to accept record prices.
To achieve this, Apple is said to have cooperated with many partners. NewRixing and Amphenol are involved in developing high-strength liquid metal hinges to increase durability and reduce screen deformity. Samsung Display is predicted to provide OLED panels, while Apple self-designs the structure, materials and membrane rolling process.
Production is also being prepared. Hon Hai Group (Foxconn) is said to have established its own production line, initially producing in small quantities for testing before expanding its scale.
According to analyst Arthur Liao (Fubon Research), OLED screens, complex hinge mechanisms and lightweight components are the main factors pushing up costs. In addition, RAM prices have increased by about 75% in the past year, while component costs may continue to increase by 5 - 7% by 2026.
If the predictions become reality, iPhone Fold will not only be a new device, but can also reshape expectations and the price level of the global high-end smartphone market.
