Apple’s Foldable iPhone: What We Know So Far | Image Source: 9to5mac.com
Cupertino, CA, March 6, 2025 – Long-term Apple Folding The iPhone seems to be closer to reality, with new details clarifying its design, features and expected launch time. Apple’s famous analyst Ming-Chi Kuo provided information on what could be Apple’s most expensive and ambitious smartphone, with a version projected at the end of 2026. Meanwhile, updates on iOS 19 and Siri improvements have also emerged, involving Apple AI’s ongoing push.
Apple’s folding phone: What do you expect?
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s folding iPhone will not follow the high-down design of devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. Instead, it is planned to adopt a book-style fold, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold, with a 7.8-inch inside screen without fold and a 5.5-inch outside screen.
Kuo’s main specifications and design elements include:
- A 7.8-inch crease-free inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display
- A titanium and stainless steel hinge for enhanced durability
- Touch ID on the side button, potentially replacing Face ID
- A folded thickness of 9-9.5mm and an unfolded thickness of 4.5-4.8mm
- A premium price tag, likely above $2,000 and potentially reaching $2,500
Kuo also anticipates that the initial production will be limited to 3-5 million units due to the complexity of the manufacturing. However, the demand for the device should be strong if Apple meets its promise of a high quality folding screen.
Will the prize be Apple’s folding iPhone?
Given the high price, the folding iPhone will be positioned as a luxury device, in addition to the existing Apple line. According to a Business Insider report, industry analysts believe that the folding iPhone could help balance Apple’s portfolio by providing a premium alternative to more affordable models such as the iPhone 16th rumor.
“A phone with such a price point allows Apple is a real high-end luxury offer to balance the push for low-cost alternatives,” said Dipanjan Chatterjee, an analyst forrester.
Despite the emotion surrounding the apparatus, scepticism remains. Apple has already invested a lot in projects like the Apple Car, just to leave them later. Some experts, including Morningstar analyst William Kerwin, believe that the folding iPhone is still in its early stages of development and could be cancelled before reaching mass production.
iOS 19 and Siri enhancements: What’s delayed?
In addition to the rumors of folding iPhone, new details appeared on iOS 19 and the next improvements led by Siri. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s integration of a large language model (LLM) into Siri remains on track for iOS 19, but may not be completed until the end of the release cycle in spring 2026.
One of Siri’s most anticipated updates, his shift to more conversational and chatbot-style interaction, was delayed. Initially, they are expected to start at WWDC 2025, these improvements can now be postponed to iOS 20 in 2027. This delay highlights Apple’s cautious approach to AI, ensuring a polite and unmatched experience before making any significant changes.
“The approach to implementation has always been progressive. It is not surprising that Siri improvements appear in several versions of iOS instead of at all at once,” said an industry expert.
While Apple faces OpenAI and Google’s competition in AI’s auxiliary space, its slow and stable innovation strategy could play its advantage. With a massive iPhone base installed, Apple’s ecosystem remains a key separator, even if IA features come later than competitors.
How do I compete with Apple’s folding iPhone?
The market for folding smartphones has already been established by brands such as Samsung, Huawei and Oppo. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series and Huawei’s Mate X dominated this segment, but Apple’s entry could change the game, if the device lives up to expectations.
An important point of sale for Apple’s folding iPhone is its ”without creation” screen. Many existing folding phones suffer from folds visible in the middle of the screen, impacting aesthetics and ease of use. If Apple can perfect this technology, it could provide a significant advantage over competitors.
Another key difference could be software optimization. Apple’s ability to integrate iOS smoothly with its hardware has historically given it an advantage over Android-based rivals. A folding iPhone running on iOS 19 (or iOS 20 for its expected release) could offer a more refined experience than the current folding while running Android.
Is Apple’s folding iPhone a risky bet?
Although the idea of a folding iPhone is exciting, there are risks involved. According to Emarketer Jacob Bourne’s analyst, a niche label at high and attractive prices could limit the success of the device.
“Apple’s best bet could be to focus on other emerging technologies rather than looking for a factor so that it does not maintain its long-term appeal,” said Bourne.
Apple has been known to enter late markets but to refine products to a point where they become dominant. The Apple Watch and AirPods were first found with skepticism, but eventually they became industry standards. If the folding iPhone follows a similar path, it remains to be seen.
Managing Director Tim Cook suggested that there is still room for innovation in the smartphone industry. At Apple T1 2025, Cook said:
“I think there is still a lot of innovation on the smartphone. “
This suggests that Apple sees the folding devices as part of its long-term strategy, even if it takes years to perfect the concept.
Now Apple has officially confirmed no plan for a folding iPhone. However, if the rumors remain true, we could see the iPhone’s first folding shelves at the end of 2026. Until then, speculation will continue, and all eyes will be in Apple’s next moves in the smartphone industry.
