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. This feat is achieved through a hybrid metal frame combining titanium and aluminum, ensuring 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 adopt titanium. He stated that Apple is focusing on a titanium-aluminum hybrid frame, an innovative 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. The hinge would use steel and titanium, while the main frame would be titanium for maximum rigidity. Some hinge components might also incorporate Liquidmetal, a high-strength, scratch-resistant alloy, ensuring long-lasting foldability.
Experts believe using titanium for high-stress areas and aluminum elsewhere is a smart strategy, balancing weight reduction with structural integrity. This aligns with Apple’s modern design philosophy—maintaining durability and premium aesthetics while ensuring a lightweight, comfortable grip, 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 expanded use of this material.
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 display, 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 predicts 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 create a foldable iPhone that’s luxurious, durable, and entirely unique, ushering in a new era of iPhone design.
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