How far away are we from having a foldable iPhone?

While Apple fans are looking forward to the release of the iPhone 17 series this year, rumors about the company’s future foldable device are already circulating.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared his predictions about the company’s first foldable iPhone, which could arrive in the last quarter of 2026.

It’s been revealed that the future foldable is expected to be powered by AI with cross-app integration. With a bigger screen, users would be able to use AI’s capabilities more comfortably. For example, users could talk to an AI assistant about travel arrangements and look at the map at the same time.

Apple’s first foldable is expected to cost around $2000 to $2500. Despite the high price, the company should do well with the release of the new iPhone due to its loyal customer base.

When it comes to the device’s design, it’s been shared that the phone would fold like a book, featuring a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display. It would be 9 to 9.5 mm thick when folded and 4.5 to 4.8 mm when unfolded.

Apple Foldable iPhone Updates:

1. Assembly supplier Foxconn is expected to officially kick off the project in late 3Q25 or early 4Q25. As of now, many component specifications (including the hinge, which has drawn considerable market attention) have yet to be finalized.

2. The… https://t.co/KsGu49JXkP

undefined 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) June 18, 2025

The smartphone would include a stainless steel and titanium alloy hinge and a titanium alloy casing. It’s expected to include the same battery cells as the iPhone 17.

Due to the device’s thickness, Face ID would be eliminated, and Touch ID could be included as a side button.

Apple's assembly supplier, Foxconn, is expected to start developing its foldable smartphone in the third quarter of this year. Mass production is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025, and the second-generation foldable is expected to be produced in the second half of 2027.

The analyst also shared the estimated shipment units, which could reach from three to five million units in 2026.

Recent speculations also reveal that Apple has ordered 15 to 20 million foldable smartphones. However, this number reflects the demand for two to three years, not just 2026.

This means that Apple’s foldable smartphone could enter mass production in the second half of 2026, with several million units shipped in 2027 and 2028 because of its high price, reports Patently Apple.

The analyst also reminded his readers that any information is a prediction only, so that it might change over time.