Apple to Launch Foldable iPhone in 2026: What You Must Know Now

Apple seems to be shifting its focus toward the next major leap in smartphone design. Even as the iPhone 17 Pro series continues to see strong demand, reports suggest the company’s first foldable iPhone is on track for a 2026 launch.

According to analyst Jeff Pu, cited by MacRumors, Apple’s upcoming foldable device—possibly called the iPhone 18 Fold—will feature a premium yet lightweight frame built using both titanium and aluminum. This mix aims to enhance durability while keeping the foldable thin and portable.

Pu’s latest investor note indicates that Apple could release two major models next year—the iPhone 18 Fold and the *iPhone 18 Air. The latter, expected to feature similar materials, will continue the company’s push toward lighter, stronger designs. The titanium-based build introduced with the current iPhone Air reportedly passed several bend-resistance tests, signaling Apple’s confidence in the material ahead of its foldable debut.

If accurate, the naming shift hints that Apple might skip a traditional iPhone 18 lineup altogether, positioning the Fold and Air as its new flagship duo.

The iPhone Fold is expected to adopt a book-style folding mechanism, featuring a 5.5-inch external display** and a 7.8-inch inner OLED Retina screen with ProMotion 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. When unfolded, the device could measure 4.6mm in thickness, expanding to 9.2mm when closed—a compact profile for a foldable phone.

The foldable iPhone may carry a launch price of around $1,999 (approx. Rs 1.75 lakh), aligning it with competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold and Google’s Pixel Fold. Apple’s entry could intensify the high-end foldable market, which continues to attract early adopters looking for next-generation mobility.