Apple’s Foldable iPhone: What to Expect from the Highly Anticipated Device

Apple is poised to enter the foldable smartphone market with a device rumored to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max this fall. After years of development, the company appears to have overcome key technical hurdles, aiming to deliver a unique foldable experience centered around software optimization and a refined user interface. Here’s a breakdown of what we realize so far.

A Different Approach to Foldable Design

Unlike competitors like Samsung and Google, Apple is reportedly prioritizing software to differentiate its foldable iPhone. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports the device will feature an iPad-like interface, allowing users to open and utilize apps side-by-side on the inner screen [MacRumors]. This will involve a wider aspect ratio for the inner display compared to competitors, and the inclusion of an iPad-style sidebar for app management.

The foldable iPhone is expected to have an internal display roughly the size of an iPad mini, with a smaller, standard iPhone-sized display on the exterior. This dual-screen setup aims to provide versatility, offering a compact form factor for everyday use and a larger screen for more immersive experiences.

Addressing Key Challenges

Apple has been cautious about entering the foldable market, reportedly waiting until it could resolve key issues present in existing foldable devices. Gurman notes that Apple focused on minimizing the visible crease and addressing the narrow screen issues found in competitor products [MacRumors].

Camera and Authentication Features

The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a hole-punch cutout for the front-facing camera and a dual-camera system on the rear. However, due to the thinness of the outer display panel, the device will likely utilize Touch ID for authentication on the external screen, rather than Apple’s Face ID technology [MacRumors].

Pricing and Market Strategy

The anticipated price point for the foldable iPhone is substantial. While initial estimates suggested around $2,000 [MacRumors], some leakers, like Instant Digital, predict a starting price of $2,320 for the 256GB model [X/Twitter]. Apple intends to market the device heavily towards users in emerging markets and enterprise customers [LinkedIn].

iPhone 17e Launch and Broader Product Plans

The anticipated launch of the foldable iPhone follows the release of the iPhone 17e in March 2026. The iPhone 17e features the A19 chip, MagSafe connectivity, and Apple’s C1X cellular modem and N1 chip for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Thread connectivity [MacRumors]. Apple is likewise planning to release latest iPads and Macs throughout 2026 [Bloomberg].