Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected in 2026 with a book-style design.
New twist in smartphone design foldable iPhone
Smartphones have become an important part of our lives in today’s digital age. Also, Apple, one of the world’s largest tech companies, has been constantly at the forefront of innovation and product design. Foldable smartphones have emerged as a new trend in the market in recent years. And Apple was silent on this matter till now. But in 2026, the company is planning to launch its first foldable iPhone. Also, the iPhone 17 Air model is also expected to debut in 2025. Which could be the thinnest iPhone ever. This report will provide detailed information about both these new devices.
History and background of foldable iPhone
The concept of foldable phones is not new. Flip phones ruled the market in the 2000s and devices like the Motorola Razr were the epitome of style and sophistication. However, with the arrival of the iPhone in 2007 and the rise of touchscreen ‘slab’ phones, flip phones almost disappeared. But the development of flexible OLED display technology has ushered in a new era of foldable smartphones that combine the classic flip design with modern smartphone capabilities. Samsung pioneered the market in 2019 with the first Galaxy Fold, despite initial problems. Since then, other brands such as Huawei, Google, Motorola and Oppo have also introduced their foldable models. Apple is yet to enter the category, but the company’s first foldable iPhone is expected to launch in 2026.
Expected design features of foldable iPhone
The design format that Apple’s foldable iPhone could follow is a book-style design, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, rather than a clamshell design like the Galaxy Z Flip. This means the device will look like a mini-tablet when opened. The display size is also expected to be 5.5-inch outer display and 7.8-inch main inner display. The inner display is expected to give an iPad-like experience and is almost crease-free. Which is a common problem with current foldables. The build material of the device could be titanium chassis and hinge. In which liquid metal has been used to increase the durability. And this material will help in eliminating the screen crease and increasing the strength of the hinge. Talking about the camera, the foldable iPhone could have dual-lens rear camera each 48MP, a front-facing camera for the folded state and an under-display camera for the unfolded state.
Foldable iPhone Price and Launch Date
Launch Date Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to launch in late 2026. Probably with the iPhone 18 series. Mass production is expected to begin in the second half of 2026. In terms of price, the foldable iPhone will be positioned in the premium segment and can be priced between around $1,999 and $2,500. Which will make it Apple’s most expensive iPhone. Market and Competition of Foldable iPhone Foldable phones currently account for only 1-2% of the global smartphone market. But interest is growing rapidly. The foldable market is expected to reach 19 million units in 2025.
After Apple’s entry, sales are expected to triple to 45-50 million units by 2027-2028. Also, Samsung is currently the leader in the foldable market. Which had about 79% market share in 2022. Models like Google Pixel Fold, Huawei Mate X series and Motorola Razr are increasing the competition. Apple’s entry will make this market even more competitive and accelerate innovation.
Design and Features of iPhone 17 Air
In 2025, Apple will introduce the iPhone 17 series which includes a new model iPhone 17 Air. Also, this device will replace the iPhone Plus model and will be the thinnest smartphone ever made by Apple. And the slim design is that the thickness of the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be between 5.5mm to 6.25mm. Which is much thinner than the current iPhone models 8.25mm. But the camera bump area will be thicker which could take the total thickness to 9.5mm.
Also, the device is expected to have a 6.6-inch display, which is the size between the iPhone 17 Pro (6.3-inch) and Pro Max (6.9-inch). And camera is expected to be a single-lens 48MP rear camera in the iPhone 17 Air due to the slim nature of the design. Not multiple lenses. This battery capacity will be reduced to about 2,800 mAh due to the thinner chassis which is 20% less than the current iPhones.
Changes in product lineup and launch strategy
Apple is planning significant changes to the iPhone product lineup from 2025 to 2027. And in 2025, the iPhone 17 series which includes the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and the new iPhone 17 Air Plus model will be discontinued. Also 2026 is the launch of the foldable iPhone, possibly in the form of iPhone 18 Fold. Apple may change its yearly launch cycle to two launches in spring and fall, with up to six new models being introduced each year. And by 2027, the second-generation foldable iPhone, and models like the iPhone 19 Pro that could feature under-display Face ID and a true all-screen design. These changes are also expected to respond to slowing iPhone sales growth and smartphone market saturation. A. Apple wants to keep consumers interested by innovating with new designs and form factors.
Technical innovations and challenges
So foldable technology that Apple has entered the foldable market late. This has given the company a chance to learn from competitors’ mistakes and offer a refined reliable product. Focus on features like crease-free display and durable hinge is expected. Also thin design challenges that to make a device as thin as the iPhone 17 Air, Apple will have to slim down components like making the display driver IC (DDI) more efficient. But there are compromises like battery capacity and camera capabilities. Also software optimization iOS 27 is being optimized for foldable devices. So that the user experience can be ensured for screen folding.
Market impact and consumer expectations
Premium segment that the foldable iPhone will initially be a luxury product that will target enthusiasts and early adopters. High price may hinder mass adoption. But Apple’s loyal fanbase can create strong demand. Plus nostalgia and practicality The return of flip phones is driven by both nostalgia and practical benefits. Young users especially prefer bigger screens for browsing gaming and watching video. And the foldable design can offer that along with portability. The ability to flip shut can also help with digital detox and reduced screen time. Plus the competitive landscape Apple’s entry into the foldable market will increase direct competition with Samsung and other Android manufacturers. Apple’s reputation for quality and ecosystem integration can provide a competitive advantage.
Benefits of iPhone 17 Air
Style and aesthetics The ultra-thin design will offer users a sleek and stylish device that stands out from current smartphones. Also, the lightness Expected weight of 145 grams makes it lighter and easier to carry. Advanced display All iPhone 17 models are expected to feature 120Hz ProMotion displays, which offer smoother scrolling and a better user experience. Also potential challenges and limitations as well as higher cost that the high price of a foldable iPhone will make it inaccessible to many consumers. The iPhone 17 Air will also be more expensive than the standard model. And durability concerns that foldable devices can be sensitive to durability issues, especially their hinges and displays. Apple will have to address these concerns. Battery life that the iPhone 17 Air’s smaller battery capacity could be a trade-off. Which could affect battery life.
Towards the future of smartphones
Apple’s decision to introduce a foldable iPhone and iPhone 17 Air represents a strategic shift in the smartphone industry. The company wants to revive interest in a saturated market through innovation. And with Apple’s entry in 2026, the foldable market will become even more competitive and consumers will get options. The iPhone 17 Air could set new trends in smartphone design in 2025 with a focus on ultra-thin designs. But obstacles like high prices and technical challenges will remain. Apple’s history shows that the company is often not a first mover, but rather refines existing technologies to deliver a polished product. With the foldable iPhone and the iPhone 17 Air, Apple is once again trying to shape the future of the smartphone industry.
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