Apple Inc. is preparing to launch its first foldable iPhone, reportedly slated for a 2026 release, and industry insiders say the device could carry a premium price tag that would make it the most expensive iPhone yet. Multiple reports indicate the creaseless foldable smartphone may start near US $2,399, a price point higher than many current flagship models.
The upcoming device, often referred to in leaks as the iPhone Fold, is expected to feature a crease-free 7.8-inch internal display, a design objective that has been highlighted in industry coverage as a key differentiator from other foldable phones. Apple’s approach reportedly involves advanced hinge and display technologies aimed at eliminating the visible fold line that has been characteristic of earlier foldable devices.
Analysts and supply-chain reports suggest that the device’s premium materials and creaseless display technology are among the factors contributing to its projected $2,000-plus price range, with some estimates clustering around $2,400 in the U.S. market. This potential cost would surpass the launch prices of Apple’s current flagship slate models and position the foldable as the company’s highest-priced iPhone to date.
In addition to display innovations, other rumoured features include a side-mounted Touch ID sensor and Apple’s next-generation C2 modem for connectivity, though specifics remain unofficial. The device is anticipated to fold in a book-style format more akin to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, with Apple design and software integration crafted to align with its broader iPhone ecosystem.
Reports also detail broad manufacturing preparation, with suppliers like Samsung Display expected to produce millions of OLED panels for the 2026 launch, signalling confidence in market demand for Apple’s entry into the foldable segment.
The iPhone Fold’s premium pricing strategy reflects Apple’s historical positioning at the high end of the smartphone market, leveraging patented hardware and software synergies to justify its cost even as foldable competitors like Samsung and Google also command elevated price tiers.
Consumers and industry watchers will be closely watching announcements ahead of the likely late-2026 debut, as Apple seeks to expand its hardware portfolio with a foldable handset that could redefine its premium pricing structure.
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Apple is likely to launch its foldable iPhone as soon as 2026