One of the standout features of the foldable iPhone is its near-invisible display crease, a breakthrough attributed to Samsung Display’s advanced OLED panels. Unlike existing foldable phones, where creases often mar the viewing experience, Apple has prioritized a seamless display. Industry insiders report that Apple has developed a new material to minimize the crease, ensuring the unfolded screen looks as smooth as a single piece of glass. This innovation could give Apple a competitive edge, addressing a pain point that has plagued devices like the Galaxy Z Fold and Huawei Mate XT.
Samsung Display, Apple’s exclusive supplier for these OLED panels, has reportedly integrated the touch sensor directly into the display, reducing thickness by about 19% compared to current foldable components. This results in a lighter, more rigid screen that aligns with Apple’s stringent standards for thinness and durability. The foldable iPhone is expected to measure just 4.5mm when unfolded and 9 to 9.5mm when closed, making it remarkably slim for a device with such a large inner display.
Hardware Highlights and Trade-Offs
The foldable iPhone’s design draws inspiration from the Galaxy Z Fold’s book-style mechanism, folding horizontally to offer dual-screen functionality. Rumors suggest it will feature a dual-lens rear camera system, a departure from the triple-lens setups on Apple’s Pro models, likely due to space constraints. Instead of Face ID, the device may use a Touch ID sensor embedded in the power button, a practical choice given the complexities of integrating TrueDepth cameras into a foldable display. A hole-punch camera on the outer display and an under-screen camera on the inner display further streamline the design.
Powering the device will be Apple’s latest chip, possibly an A20 or a variant tailored for the iPhone 18 lineup, built on TSMC’s 2nm process for enhanced performance and efficiency. A high-density battery is also expected, addressing the power demands of a larger display. While these specs position the foldable iPhone as a premium device, its reported price tag of $2,000 to $2,300 reflects its high-end positioning, roughly 10% more than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold6.
Prototyping and Production Timeline
Apple’s development process is in high gear, with the foldable iPhone entering its Prototype 1 (P1) phase in June 2025. This phase, followed by P2 and P3, involves limited trial runs by supply chain partners before mass production begins. Foxconn and Pegatron, Apple’s primary assemblers, are set to take over by late 2025, with mass production slated for the fourth quarter of 2026. This timeline aligns with Apple’s typical product development cycle, ensuring the device is ready for a fall 2026 launch.
The prototyping phase has allowed Apple to refine critical components, such as the hinge mechanism, which is crafted from titanium and stainless steel for durability and a premium feel. While some component specifications remain unfinalized, the display’s completion marks a major milestone. Apple’s decision to pause work on a larger foldable iPad, reportedly due to manufacturing challenges and modest consumer demand, underscores its focus on perfecting the foldable iPhone first.
Market Context and Consumer Expectations
The foldable smartphone market has matured significantly, with Samsung, Huawei, and Google offering refined devices like the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Apple’s entry comes at a time when foldables are no longer a niche, but its late arrival means it must deliver something exceptional. The emphasis on a crease-free display and a slim profile addresses user complaints about existing foldables, while Apple’s ecosystem integration—think seamless connectivity with AirPods, Apple Watch, and iOS 26—could make the device a compelling choice for loyal customers.
However, the $2,000-plus price tag may limit its appeal to early adopters and tech enthusiasts, much like the Vision Pro. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment, with some users excited about the innovation and others skeptical, calling foldables a “fad” or questioning their practicality. Apple’s challenge will be to justify the premium cost with a user experience that feels polished and purposeful, avoiding the perception of being an expensive experiment.
What This Means for Apple’s Future
The foldable iPhone represents more than a new product—it’s a signal of Apple’s willingness to take risks in a market it once dominated unchallenged. By leveraging its partnership with Samsung Display and its expertise in hardware and software integration, Apple aims to redefine what a foldable phone can be. The device’s success will hinge on its ability to deliver a seamless experience, from the crease-free display to the optimized visionOS-like features of iOS 26, which may include enhanced multitasking for the larger screen.
Looking ahead, Apple is already planning a second-generation foldable iPhone for 2027, suggesting confidence in the form factor’s longevity. While a foldable iPad or MacBook may follow, the iPhone Fold is Apple’s priority, setting the stage for a new era of mobile innovation. For now, as display production ramps up, the tech world waits to see if Apple can make foldables feel as indispensable as the original iPhone did nearly two decades ago.
