Apple's foldable iPhone speculation: What you need to know

Gulf Business

5 days ago

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Rather than taking a radically new approach, Apple is expected to refine existing foldable technology. This includes minimising the screen crease on the main display and introducing a more durable hinge mechanism.
The next version of Apple's mobile operating system, likely called iOS 27, is also expected to feature optimisations for foldable displays.
Apple iPhone Fold: What to expect
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously stated that the foldable iPhone could sport a sleek design, measuring between 9mm to 9.5mm when folded, and just 4.5mm to 4.8mm when unfolded. The device is expected to include a 5.5-inch external screen and a 7.8-inch internal display with minimal crease visibility. These details were echoed by analyst Jeff Pu, who also noted that the outer screen may have a resolution of 2088 x 1422 pixels, while the inner display could be 2713 x 1920 pixels.
Finalising specifications and supply chain readiness
Apple is on the cusp of launching its first foldable iPhone, with the supply chain reportedly close to finalising specifications for a book-style 'iPhone Fold' targeting a release in the second half of 2026. This move marks Apple's entry into a segment that, while still niche, is poised for transformation as the world's most influential smartphone brand steps in.
UBS surveyed the landscape in an analyst note titled Unfolding the implications of an iPhone Fold launch. The firm's teardown analysis of Samsung's Z Fold SE (BOM cost: $790) suggests Apple's iPhone Fold could achieve a bill-of-materials cost of $759, about 4 per cent lower, thanks to cost savings on memory, application processors, and camera modules, even as premium materials drive up casing and hinge costs,
Pricing strategy and production forecast
Initial production is expected to be limited, with estimates ranging from 10 million to 15 million units in the first wave. This cautious rollout reflects both the technical complexity of foldable devices and the high price point, which analysts view as a barrier to mass adoption.
Early reports suggest the iPhone Fold could be priced between $2,000 and $2,400, making it Apple's most expensive phone to date and positioning it as a premium, aspirational product. However, UBS says Apple's cost discipline may allow it to price the device at the lower end of the anticipated range ($1,800–$2,000), with contribution margins of 53 per cent–58 per cent, in line with Samsung's foldables and well above the iPhone 16 series.
Supply chain ripple effects
The iPhone Fold's launch is also expected to have a positive ripple effect across Apple's supply chain, including companies like Amphenol, Hirose, TDK, Avary, and SDI. Many of these firms are currently trading below historical valuation averages, and the visibility of a new product ramp could boost sentiment and share prices.
The iPhone Fold's unique design is set to benefit several key players:
Display Panels: Samsung Display is expected to be the primary supplier, with capacity to produce up to 15 million 7-inch foldable OLED panels annually. LG Display may also play a role as Apple diversifies its sourcing.
Casing and Hinges: The device will likely feature a titanium casing and a liquid metal hinge, with suppliers such as Lens Technology, Amphenol, and Hon Hai (Foxconn) positioned to benefit from a higher BOM wallet share.
EMS Providers: Hon Hai is expected to handle initial assembly, with Luxshare as a secondary partner, reflecting Apple's strategy of leveraging its established manufacturing ecosystem.
Late entry in a nascent market
Apple is late to the foldable game, as rumors have intensified that the company will launch its first folding iPhone, possibly called the iPhone Flip, in 2026. But that might be just fine. The market is still young, with foldable phones accounting for well under 5 per cent of all smartphones sold globally.
A crease-free iPhone would mark the latest innovation in foldable technology — a category that began with Huawei's $2,600 Mate X in 2019, followed by its triple-screen concept, and continued with Samsung's ongoing Flip and Fold releases. Samsung's latest models were unveiled just last week, and a tri-fold phone is also rumored to be in the works for later this year,
Setting the bar for foldables
If successful, the iPhone Fold could not only reinvigorate the premium smartphone segment but also set a new standard for foldables. Apple's typical focus on polished user experience, software-hardware synergy, and ecosystem integration could help address the shortcomings that have kept foldables from broader mainstream appeal.
While the foldable market remains niche, Apple's entry is expected to expand consumer awareness and push the segment forward. As 2026 approaches, the tech world will be watching closely to see if Apple can do for foldables what it once did for smartphones.