Apple is reportedly gearing up for a groundbreaking milestone in iPhone history—the launch of its first foldable iPhone in 2026. According to insiders, this device will boast an ultra-slim design of just 4.5 mm when unfolded, even thinner than the iPhone Air, thanks to a hybrid titanium and aluminum frame that ensures both durability and reduced weight.
Analyst Jeff Pu revealed in a note to investors that the 2026 iPhone Fold and iPhone Air will be the next Apple products to incorporate titanium. He stated that Apple is focusing on a titanium-aluminum hybrid frame, an advanced material solution that optimizes strength, weight, and resistance to bending.
The foldable iPhone is expected to start at $2,000–$2,500, roughly double the price of the current iPhone Pro Max.
Previously, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted Apple would combine titanium and stainless steel for the foldable iPhone, with a hinge made from steel and titanium, and a primary frame using titanium for added robustness. Some hinge components may also be crafted from liquidmetal—a high-performance alloy offering exceptional strength and wear resistance, ensuring a long-lasting folding mechanism.
Industry experts believe using titanium for high-stress areas and aluminum elsewhere is a strategic move, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity. This aligns with Apple’s modern design philosophy, balancing durability and premium aesthetics with a lightweight, comfortable feel, as seen in the iPhone Air.
Earlier tests showed the iPhone Air’s titanium frame significantly outperformed traditional aluminum in bend resistance, validating Apple’s decision to expand titanium usage.
Slated for the iPhone 18 lineup in September 2026, the foldable iPhone is expected to feature a 5.5-inch folded display and a 7.8-inch unfolded screen, akin to a compact iPad mini. Apple is anticipated to focus on optimizing the hinge mechanism, minimizing creases, and enhancing durability—areas where competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Google Pixel Fold still face challenges.
Jeff Pu forecasts that titanium will become the new standard in future devices. Both the iPhone 18 Fold (titanium + aluminum frame) and the 2026 iPhone Air will utilize this premium material. Combining aluminum’s lightness with titanium’s strength, Apple aims to redefine luxury and durability in foldable smartphones, ushering in a new era of iPhone design.
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