Apple’s foldable iPhone, a device whispered about for years, is finally crystallizing, with analyst Ming-Chi Kuo pegging its arrival for late 2026 or early 2027. This book-style marvel will unfold into a 7.8-inch crease-free inner display, paired with a 5.5-inch outer screen for quick checks. Priced north of $2,000—potentially exceeding $2,500—it’s a premium play aimed at Apple’s devoted fanbase, promising a “true AI-driven phone” with a titanium alloy casing and a hinge built to last.
Kuo, a veteran Apple watcher known for supply chain scoops, says the foldable iPhone will slim down to 4.5-4.8mm when open and bulk up to 9-9.5mm when folded—thinner than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 (12.1mm folded). A dual-lens rear camera and a versatile front-facing lens will cover both modes, while a stainless steel and titanium alloy hinge ensures it can flip without flinching. Notably, Apple’s skipping Face ID, opting for a Touch ID side button to save space—a practical move for a device packing big screens into a tight frame.
A Screen Size Leap for Users
That 7.8-inch inner display isn’t just a number—it’s a game-changer. Compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 6.9-inch screen, it offers more real estate for editing 4K videos, sketching designs, or juggling spreadsheets. The 5.5-inch outer display, roughly the size of an iPhone 16’s screen, keeps you connected without unfolding—a nod to convenience. Kuo’s “crease-free” claim tackles a pain point of foldables like Samsung’s, where visible lines disrupt immersion. If Apple pulls this off, it could mean smoother scrolling and cleaner visuals for everything from Netflix to Final Cut Pro Mobile.
AI and Multitasking Muscle
Apple’s calling this a “true AI-driven phone,” and the larger screens hint at why. Imagine splitting that 7.8-inch display between a coding app and a live preview, or using Apple Intelligence to transcribe notes while drafting emails—all without the clunkiness of smaller screens. The Touch ID shift suggests Apple’s prioritizing internal space for beefier chips, likely an A-series powerhouse tuned for AI tasks. For pros and enthusiasts, this could translate to faster on-device machine learning or slicker multitasking, areas where foldables have historically lagged.
The Price of Premium
At over $2,000—possibly $2,500 or more—this isn’t for the faint of wallet. For comparison, Samsung’s Z Fold 6 starts at $1,899, and even Apple’s own iPhone 16 Pro Max tops out around $1,599 with maxed storage. Kuo bets Apple’s loyalists will bite, especially if the build quality matches the hype. The titanium alloy casing, a step up from the stainless steel of older iPhones, promises a lighter, tougher shell, while the hybrid hinge could outlast cheaper foldable rivals. It’s a steep ask, but Apple’s track record suggests fans might see it as a status symbol worth the splurge.
Kuo’s timeline adds clarity: Apple aims to nail down specs by Q2 2025, launch the project in Q3, and start mass production in Q4 2026. That points to a reveal late next year or early 2027, with a second-gen model already planned for 2028. It’s a deliberate pace—Apple’s not rushing to beat Samsung or Huawei but refining a product to fit its ecosystem. Think seamless integration with macOS Sequoia or iPadOS, where that 7.8-inch screen could double as a mini workstation.
This isn’t just another iPhone—it’s Apple’s stab at owning the foldable space. If the crease-free display and AI chops deliver, it could pull users from rivals and redefine premium phones. For creatives, it’s a portable canvas; for pros, a multitasking hub. But at $2,000-plus, it’ll need to justify the cost with more than just a fancy fold. As 2026 nears, expect the hype to build—and the scrutiny to sharpen.
