Fresh leaks suggest Apple is gearing up to enter the foldable smartphone market with a tentatively named iPhone Fold. Apple appears to be taking a “slow and steady” approach, targeting premium users with a price point expected to surpass current market standards.
According to Fubon Research, the foldable iPhone is likely to launch in the U.S. at around $2,399 (approximately VND 63 million), significantly higher than the current most expensive foldable, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 ($1,999). If accurate, the iPhone Fold would become the most expensive iPhone ever released.
The foldable iPhone is expected to launch in the U.S. at nearly VND 63 million.
Insiders reveal that component costs, particularly the screen and hinge, are the primary drivers of the record-high price. Apple is reportedly aiming for a foldable screen with virtually invisible creases when open, requiring more advanced technology and manufacturing processes than competitors.
Despite the high price, Fubon Research predicts Apple could sell approximately 5.4 million units in the first year, as the global mobile market shows signs of stagnation and foldable devices emerge as a rare bright spot in 2026.
Leaks indicate Apple will adopt a book-style foldable design, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold and Pixel Fold, rather than a clamshell design. The device is expected to be 9-9.5 mm thick when folded and 4.5-4.8 mm when open.
The iPhone Fold will feature a 7.8-inch OLED internal display and a 5.5-inch OLED external display, both with wider aspect ratios than current foldable models. This design aims to deliver an experience closer to the iPad mini when unfolded.
The iPhone Fold is expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro in September 2026, as part of Apple’s strategy to launch iPhones twice a year.
Rumors suggest the device will feature a dual 48MP camera setup similar to the iPhone 17, along with two selfie cameras: one under the display and one punch-hole on the external screen. It may switch to Touch ID instead of Face ID. The battery is expected to be at least 5,400 mAh, the largest ever in an iPhone.
The iPhone Fold is likely to be powered by the A20 Pro chip, similar to the iPhone 18 Pro, with 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
