Foldable smartphones are the wave sweeping through the tech world. Samsung, Huawei, Motorola, and others have already staked their claim in this futuristic market, each offering devices that bend, unfold, and turn heads. But Apple, the secretive giant from Cupertino, is still holding back. For years, rumors of a foldable iPhone have excited fans and intrigued analysts.
Patents, juicy leaks, and Apple’s signature silence keep the mystery alive. So, where does this top-secret project stand? Will it shake up the market or just ride the trend? We’re diving into everything we know, with a quick look at what the competition is already bringing to the table to see where Apple might fit in.
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Has Apple Shelved the Foldable iPhone?
Apple’s no stranger to scrapping ambitious projects. The Apple Car, for instance, went up in smoke after years of hype. So, is the foldable iPhone doomed to the same fate? Not so fast. Recent leaks and filed patents show the project is very much alive. Internal tests, partnerships with screen suppliers, and persistent rumors suggest Apple is working hard on this smartphone.
At one point, there was talk of an iPad foldable stealing the spotlight. But analysts, like those at The Information, are adamant: the foldable iPhone is the priority. It’s Apple’s flagship product, the one that could electrify fans and reshape the smartphone market.
Far from being shelved, this project seems to be full steam ahead.
When Will the Foldable iPhone See the Light of Day?
According to The Information, Apple is eyeing September 2026 to unveil its foldable iPhone, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models.
But with Apple, nothing’s ever set in stone. The project is still in development, and delays are possible. Some, like TrendForce, even mention 2028 as a potential horizon. That said, partnerships with giants like Samsung Display and LG for foldable OLED screens show real progress. 2026 looks plausible, but we might need to keep our fingers crossed.
What Kind of Foldable Is Apple Cooking Up?
Foldable smartphones are like crepes: there’s more than one way to fold them. On one hand, there’s the clamshell style, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, which folds into a compact square. On the other hand, the book style, like the Galaxy Z Fold, opens into a mini-tablet. Apple, true to form, is exploring both. Patents show designs for each, but recent leaks point to a bold choice: a reverse book design, where the screen folds outward.
This gutsy move could let you use the screen even when folded, a game-changer. A May 2024 patent mentions a self-healing screen that can erase scratches like magic. Add a super-sturdy hinge, and Apple seems intent on dodging the pitfalls of early foldables, like visible creases or fragility. As for materials, there’s talk of a liquid metal, 2.5 times stronger than the titanium used in the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro. But the big challenge? Making that pesky crease nearly invisible. Apple wants perfection, and that’s pure Apple.
What Could the Foldable iPhone Look Like?
Thanks to leaks, particularly on X, we’re starting to get a clearer picture. Here’s the rundown:
- Dimensions: Ultra-thin, with 4.6 mm unfolded and 9.2 mm folded. A feat for a foldable.
- Screen: A Samsung-made AMOLED panel, 5.49 inches folded and up to 7.74 inches unfolded (though some dream of 12 inches, that feels a bit wild).
- Materials: An aluminum chassis, blending lightness and strength, in true Apple fashion.
- Front Camera: A Meta Lens wide-angle, with no clear details on resolution yet.
- Rear Camera: Supplied by Largan and Sunwoo, with a hybrid glass-plastic structure for top performance.
- Battery: A dual stainless steel battery with 5,000 mAh, possibly high-density for solid endurance.
The hinge, tested for thousands of cycles, would be a major strength. And Apple’s pulling out all the stops to make the crease nearly invisible, a challenge where many still stumble.
What Tech Specs Will This Foldable iPhone Have?
We don’t have all the details yet, but we can make educated guesses based on Apple’s track record. The foldable iPhone should pack an A20 chip (if launched in 2026), on par with Pro models, for jaw-dropping performance. For photography, expect a camera system in line with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, with sensors capable of 8K video and advanced modes like Cinematic.
One tantalizing detail: compatibility with the Apple Pencil. So far exclusive to iPads, this stylus could turn the foldable iPhone into a creative tool, especially with an unfolded screen close to tablet size. On the software side, iOS would be tailor-made for this format, with an interface that seamlessly switches between folded and unfolded modes, much like Samsung’s One UI.
How Much Will the Foldable iPhone Cost?
Predicting the price of an unannounced product is like playing the lottery. But given the foldable tech and Apple’s premium positioning, it’s going to sting. The iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at around CAD $1,999. With a foldable screen, high-end materials, and all the R&D behind it, the foldable iPhone could easily top CAD $2,700, or even more if Apple leans into the luxury angle.
Analysts suggest limited production at first to test the market. Apple knows this kind of device, at this price, won’t be for everyone. It’ll be a high-end gem, a tech jewel for fans ready to empty their wallets.
Comparison: Foldable iPhone vs. Market Leaders
To better place the foldable iPhone, here’s a comparison table with the top foldable smartphones on the market in 2025:
Model | Fold Type | Screen Size (Folded/Unfolded) | Processor | Main Camera | Battery | Price (approx. CAD) |
Foldable iPhone (rumored) | Reverse Book | 5.49″ / 7.74″ | A20 (estimated) | Hybrid glass-plastic | 5,000 mAh | ~CAD $2,700 |
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 | Book | 6.3″ / 7.6″ | Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 | 50 MP (triple) | 4,400 mAh | ~CAD $2,565 |
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 | Clamshell | 3.4″ / 6.7″ | Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 | 50 MP (dual) | 4,000 mAh | ~CAD $1,620 |
Huawei Mate X5 | Book | 6.4″ / 7.85″ | Kirin 9000S | 50 MP (triple) | 5,060 mAh | ~CAD $2,430 |
Google Pixel Fold 2 | Book | 6.2″ / 7.9″ | Tensor G4 | 48 MP (triple) | 4,600 mAh | ~CAD $2,295 |
What are the next steps for the foldable iPhone?
The foldable iPhone is the kind of project that gets Apple fans’ hearts racing and puts the competition on edge. Slated for 2026, it could redefine what we expect from a smartphone. Bold design, self-healing screen, top-tier performance: Apple is clearly aiming for the stars. But at a price that’ll make your wallet wince, the experience better be worth it.
Meanwhile, Samsung, Huawei, and others have a head start. Can Apple catch up and set a new standard? One thing’s for sure: this foldable iPhone is poised to bend the rules of the game.
FAQ
When will the foldable iPhone be released?
ikely in September 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, though delays until 2028 are possible.
What type of design will the foldable iPhone have?
A “reverse book” format with an outward-folding screen, per leaks.
What will the screen size of the foldable iPhone be?
About 5.49 inches folded and 7.74 inches unfolded, with an AMOLED panel.
What processor will power the foldable iPhone?
Likely the A20, if launched in 2026.
Will the foldable iPhone support the Apple Pencil?
Yes, rumors suggest compatibility, perfect for its tablet-like unfolded screen.
What cameras will the foldable iPhone have?
A hybrid glass-plastic system, comparable to Pro models, with a Meta Lens front camera.
How much will the foldable iPhone cost?
Around CAD $2,700, possibly more, based on estimates.
