When it comes to foldable smartphones, Apple is the only major tier-one manufacturer that has yet to enter this market. However, according to industry experts, the tech giant is set to join the foldable market this year by releasing its first-ever iPhone Fold.
When will Apple release its upcoming foldable iPhone? What features and specifications should we expect from this smartphone? Continue reading to discover everything we know so far about Apple’s iPhone Fold.
iPhone Fold Release Date
For now, Apple hasn’t made any public announcement regarding the release date of its upcoming foldable smartphone. However, we’ve heard several conflicting rumors.
Some reports suggest that the iPhone Fold will launch alongside the new iPhone 18 Pro models. Others claim that the foldable iPhone may be delayed beyond September due to production issues.
In March, Apple analyst Tim Long mentioned in a research note for Barclays that shipments of the foldable iPhone would likely begin in December. He also noted that the tech giant could introduce the smartphone alongside the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models in September.
Furthermore, Nikkei reported in April that Apple was experiencing some issues that could affect the release of the foldable iPhone. The Japanese publication stated that, due to setbacks during the engineering test phase, Apple might postpone the launch of the smartphone until 2027. Responding to the report, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said the information was “off base.” Gurman added that the foldable iPhone would be available for purchase around the same time as, or shortly after, the iPhone 18 Pro models.
Moreover, a report from DigiTimes confirmed that Apple has indeed experienced some issues during the testing phase. However, the report also emphasized that Apple is relying on manufacturing optimizations to improve the situation and stay on schedule without compromising quality.
Based on these reports, one conclusion we can draw is that even if the foldable iPhone launches in September, only limited quantities will be initially available. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also suggested that supply shortages could continue until 2027.
How much will the foldable iPhone cost?
For now, there’s no official price tag for the upcoming foldable iPhone. But according to industry experts, the smartphone is expected to sell at a starting price of about $2,000. For instance, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the phone’s price could retail for about $2,000 to $2,500. Mark Gurman also agreed with this pricing prediction.
UBS analysts think the price may come down slightly to about $1,800 – $2,000. Fubon Research suggests the price could be $2,400 for the iPhone Fold. Some analysts also predicted that the price could reach $3,000.
iPhone Fold Rumors
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Naming
So far, we’ve been saying iPhone Fold! Will this be the official name of the upcoming foldable smartphone? Well, according to a recent rumor from leaker Digital Chat Station, the phone will come with a different name. The leaker mentioned on Weibo that Apple could name the foldable smartphone iPhone Ultra.
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Design, screen, and mockups
So far, we have seen many leaks suggesting what the design of the foldable iPhone could be. Most leaks indicate that the phone will come with a book-style foldable design, which is “squat and wide.” A good example is the dummies rolled out by leaker Sonny Dickson in April. If this comes true, it means the upcoming iPhone Fold could look more like the original Pixel Fold.
Speaking of screen, rumors have it that the foldable iPhone could have little or no crease. Many consumers don’t buy the idea of creases in foldable phones. If Apple can launch the phone without any creases, this could be a major breakthrough in that aspect.
Furthermore, rumors have it that the hinges on the iPhone Fold could be made of liquid metal. If you don’t know, this metal is an alloy that’s likely offered by Liquidmetal Technologies.
Moreover, a 3D printed mockup version of the foldable iPhone gives enthusiasts an idea of what to expect. Since the specs of the upcoming iPhone Fold haven’t been announced, we can’t confirm that the mockup is perfect. However, we know for sure that many things that appear on the mockup fall in line with many rumors, such as 5.5 inches display when closed and about 7.6 to 7.8 inches when open.
No Face ID
According to rumors, the upcoming iPhone Fold will be very thin. As such, industry experts believe the phone may not come with a TrueDepth camera system. The iPhone will likely not use Face ID. However, users can expect it to come with a Touch ID side button, which allows them to unlock their iPhone biometrically.
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