iPhone Fold Release Date, Design and Price Rumours

The likes of Samsung, Google, OnePlus, Motorola and Honor have all made foldable devices. In fact, Apple is the only major manufacturer not to have a model on the market.

Rumours about a foldable Apple phone have been swirling for some time but they’re now coalescing into something more solid, thanks to a market note to investors from the bank JPMorgan.

When will the foldable iPhone be released?

In summary

• A September 2026 release is expected
• A launch along with the iPhone 18 lineup seems likely
• But a dedicated launch event is possible

The iPhone 17 lineup has been released and thoughts are already turning to what Apple may have in store for us next year. Chief among the anticipated models is a foldable device. It’s unofficially being referred to as the iPhone Fold, but Apple has not confirmed the device’s actual name.

If Apple’s previous release schedule is anything to go by, we’d expect the foldable to be released as part of Apple’s annual lineup of new handsets, which traditionally takes place during the brand’s autumn event in mid-September.

Here’s a look at the announcement dates of recent iPhones: 

• iPhone 17: 9 September 2025
• iPhone 16: 9 September 2024
• iPhone 15: 12 September 2023 
• iPhone 14: 7 September 2022 
• iPhone 13: 14 September 2021 
• iPhone 12: 13 October 2020 (delayed due to Covid)

As such, we’re expecting the high-end iPhone 18 models to be announced at around the same time in 2026. The iPhone 18 and 18e are projected for a spring 2027 release.

However, as it’s an entirely new phone design, it’s possible that Apple may debut its foldable at a dedicated event. One analyst predicted that the launch would occur much earlier in the year. But the latest news would seem to suggest that a September release is most likely.

President of Samsung Display Lee Cheong recently told reporters that the company was preparing to supply 8.6th-generation OLED panels for foldable phones to a North American client. The panels are expected to go into full mass production in the third quarter next year.

Cheong said: “While I cannot disclose specifics regarding the client, we are preparing well.” Samsung Display is known to be the sole supplier of OLED panels to Apple.

Jason Cross / Foundry

Sources: The Information | GSMArena | MacRumors | Ming-Chi Kuo | ChosunBiz

How much will the foldable iPhone cost?

A price of $1,999 has been mooted, which would make it around the same as the Samsung Z Fold 7 in the US where it starts at $1,999, although it’s available from £1,799 in the UK.

No international pricing has yet been mentioned. But if you look at the starting prices for all configurations of the iPhone 16 models, you’ll see that they tend to be the same in US dollars and British pounds – which are not equivalent prices:

• iPhone 16 (128GB) – £799/$799
• iPhone 16 Plus (128GB) – £899/$899
• iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) – £999/$999
• iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) – £1,199/$1,199

So, at this admittedly early stage, we’d forecast a cost of £1,999 in the UK, if the US number is correct. However, tariffs may complicate pricing.

David Price / Foundry

Sources: Ming-Chi Kuo | Instant Digital | MacRumors

What specs and features will the foldable iPhone have?

At this stage, there is very little that’s known about the design and details of the iPhone Fold. But it’s expected to be a book-style foldable, rather than a flip phone. And it’s codenamed V68.

The model it will most likely resemble is thought to be the iPhone Air. In fact, rumours say that it can best be envisaged as two iPhone Air models hinged together – except, of course, with one large screen. Many people within the industry have speculated that part of the reason that Apple made the Air is as a testing device for the technologies that would wind up in its first foldable.

Apple

In a note to investors, analyst Jeff Pu has claimed that the Phone 18 Fold’s metal frame will use a mix of titanium and aluminium. This contradicts, or at least adds more detail, to the earlier claim that its frame would be made form titanium, like the iPhone Air.

There are early expectations that the fold will only be available in black or white.

One notable rumour is that it’ll feature five lenses: one on the front, one on the inside and two on the back. You’ll be able to take selfies both when the phone is open and when it’s closed.

It’s also thought that Apple is keen to minimise the appearance of a crease on the screen when unfolded.

The iPhone Fold is projected to use Apple’s C2 modem, which is expected to launch in September 2026 with the iPhone 18 lineup.

Here are the iPhone Fold’s rumoured specs:

• Inward-folding, book-style device
• Imperceptible crease
• Robust hinge composed of LiquidMetal (a zirconium-based alloy that’s used to produce strong, hard metal parts – not a liquid at all)
• Inner display of 7.8 inches
• Outer display of 5.5 inches
• Touch ID instead of Face ID
• No SIM card slot (like the Air)
• 9-9.5mm thick closed, 4.5-4.8mm thick open

Jim Martin / Foundry

Sources: Macworld | MacRumors | Revegnus on X | Ming-Chi Kuo | Macwelt | Mark Gurman | Mark Gurman (2) | 9to5Mac

That’s all we know at this point about the foldable iPhone so far, but we’ll be updating this article as more information comes to light.

If you don’t want to wait, be sure to check out our top recommendations for the best phones in 2025.