Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today shared his expectations for the upcoming Apple foldable iPhone, which is set to launch in 2026.
Kuo says the Apple foldable is positioned as a top-tier iPhone, with accompanying eyewatering price tag. It may cost well in excess of $2000. However, customers are expected to get premium hardware specs including a display that does not visibly crease when folded, stainless steel and titanium alloy hinge, in a casing that is just 4.5 mm thick when unfolded. However, the thinness also may come at the price of Face ID, with Kuo predicting that Touch ID will return.
Kuo says thickness and internal space constraints appear to prevent Face ID module from being included in the first-generation device. Touch ID biometric authentication will be available instead, through a capacitive side button. This is similar to the Touch ID button in the iPad Air, however it would be the first non-home-button iPhone to use fingerprint recognition.
Kuo expects the device to have a folding book design, with an approximately 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display. This means the iPhone would be similar to an iPad mini screen when unfolded. Apple is also expected to promote the device as one of the first foldables with an invisible crease, which will elevate the device’s premium status. Apple is also believed to be developing a foldable MacBook/iPad, featuring a 18-inch display, with the same invisible crease technology.
In terms of cameras, the analyst believes the device will feature two cameras, with one front facing camera that is positioned to be available in both folded and unfolded configurations. The rear camera will have two lenses.
Kuo says the foldable iPhone will measure about 4.5 mm when unfolded, or 9.5 mm thick when folded. This is not the thinnest foldable we have ever seen, but it is close. The most popular foldables on the market today from the likes of Samsung measure about 12 mm when folded.
Final specifications are apparently due to be locked in imminently, with mass production kicking off in the fourth quarter of next year. The first iteration of the foldable iPhone will be relatively low volume, partly due to the device’s complex production process. Kuo anticipates shipments in the 3 – 5 million units range for 2026, with sales of about 20 million through 2027. This estimate includes sales of a second-generation model, expected to go on sale in the second half of 2027.
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