Apple to launch first foldable iPhone next year, starting at $2,000

While foldable smartphones are no longer a new concept, as many tech companies have launched their own variants, Apple has yet to launch any device in this segment.

However, according to the latest predictions from famous technology analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple may be developing a foldable screen iPhone model with many notable improvements.

An AI-controlled foldable iPhone

According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the future foldable iPhone may not only be a device with a flexible screen, but also be integrated with powerful artificial intelligence (AI) technology, helping users perform multiple tasks at the same time easily.

For example, with the help of AI, users can both arrange travel plans and check maps without having to manually switch applications.

Proposed design and specifications

In terms of design, the foldable iPhone is expected to have a “book-style” design, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. The device’s screen sizes may include:

Main screen (inside):About 7.8 inches, big enough to provide better multitasking experience.

Secondary display (external):About 5.5 inches, allowing for quick access when you don't want to fully open the device.

One of the notable changes is that facial recognition technology (Face ID) may be eliminated due to the thickness of the device when folded.

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the foldable iPhone could be around 9–9.5mm thick when folded and 4.5–4.8mm thick when unfolded. For this reason, Apple could bring back the Touch ID fingerprint sensor technology, integrated into the side button like on some current iPad models.

Launch and production roadmap

While there is no official word from Apple yet, sources say the final specifications of the foldable iPhone could be finalized in the second quarter of 2025.

If all goes according to plan, Apple could begin mass production in the fall of 2026, meaning the device could launch in late 2026 or early 2027.

Expected output and selling price

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that Apple could ship between 3 and 5 million foldable iPhones in the first year.

In terms of price, this device could be in the ultra-premium segment, with an expected price ranging from $2,000 to $2,500, significantly higher than current iPhone models.

Previously, similar information about the foldable iPhone was shared by an account named @QQ_Timmy on the X platform (formerly Twitter), who also believed that the device could launch next year.

If these predictions are correct, the foldable iPhone could mark a major breakthrough in Apple's product line, not only offering a more flexible device but also integrating advanced technologies like AI to enhance the user experience.