IPhone Fold Predicted To Dominate Market Despite 'Delayed' In 2026

Appel's product, the iPhone Fold, is expected to launch in 2026 (photo: x @PatentlyApple ·)

JAKARTA - Apple's iPhone Fold product is expected to launch in 2026, signaling the arrival of this Cupertino-based company that is late in the folding phone market. However, this device is predicted to still dominate the market.

Rumors about the iPhone Fold have been circulating for years, but its launch schedule continues to shift. The latest report from the Bloomberg "Power On" bulletin on Sunday, July 20, 2025, again mentions the launch in 2026.

Mark Gurman, the author of the report, stated that Apple will not present a new technological breakthrough with the iPhone Fold. On the other hand, Samsung has been doing "heavy work" in the foldable phone category over the past seven years, paving the way for Apple's success.

Apple is known not to be the first in the new product category, but is often one of the best when they finally enter. However, Gurman thinks Apple is late in the foldable phone market, although previously he hailed Apple Vision Pro as a unique approach to the existing category over the years.

The iPhone Fold will not be a clone of another foldable phone on the market. Apple is rumored to be bringing changes to overcome the weakness of foldable phones, including reducing folds on the inner screen with a better hinge mechanism. The development of iOS 27 will also focus on software features that take advantage of folding designs.

Gurman added that the popularity of foldable phones in China prompted Apple to develop an iPhone Fold to increase sales in the region. The price of this device is estimated at least 2,000 US dollars (Rp 32.4 million), according to previous rumors.

"Next year"

The claim to launch the iPhone Fold in 2026 makes sense, but it needs to be watched out for. Similar rumors have appeared repeatedly, similar to the promise of "two weeks" in the film The Money Pit.

In November 2020, the iPhone Fold is said to be launching in September 2022. In September 2021, the launch is predicted to be in 2024. In early 2024, rumors say 2026, then it is delayed until 2027. In February 2025, production is said to start at the end of 2025 or early 2026 for launch in the second half of 2026 or early 2027.

Ming-Chi Kuo analysts in March 2025 also mentioned the launch at the end of 2026 or early 2027. Although it comes from a trusted source, there is no certainty when the iPhone Fold will actually be released.

The iPhone Fold is estimated to have a 7.8-inch inner screen and a 5.5-inch outer screen. To reduce the folding on the inside screen, Apple considers various techniques, including a hinge mechanism with supporting elements.

When folded, the thickness is estimated to be 9mm to 9.5mm, and when opened to 4.5mm to 4.8mm. The front camera may use a new Meta Lens, while the rear camera is expected to have two lenses.