Apple’s Foldable iPhone Targets 2026 Launch
JPMorgan Analyst Predicts September Debut Alongside iPhone 18 Series
A foldable iPhone from Apple, long a subject of intense speculation, appears to be nearing fruition. Industry observers anticipate its release in September 2026, a timeline consistent with Apple’s typical new iPhone introductions.
Foldable Design and Display Innovations
Insights from JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee suggest the highly anticipated device will launch concurrently with the iPhone 18 lineup. The foldable iPhone is rumored to adopt a book-style folding mechanism, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, featuring a substantial internal screen complemented by a more compact external display for everyday use.
A key focus for Apple is reportedly addressing the visible crease commonly found on foldable screens from competitors such as Samsung, Huawei, Vivo, Oppo, and OnePlus. To achieve this, Apple is expected to utilize a flexible OLED display sourced from Samsung Display.
Potential Pricing and Screen Sizes
Consumers in India can expect the new foldable iPhone to carry a significant price tag, potentially around $2,000, which translates to approximately ₹1.72 lakh. Earlier reports had indicated a starting price as high as $2,300, or about ₹1.99 lakh.
The device is anticipated to boast an 7.8-inch primary foldable display and a 5.5-inch cover screen. While these dimensions are slightly more compact than Samsung’s current top-tier foldable, Apple is believed to be prioritizing a sleeker, more refined physical design.
Software Enhancements for Foldables
Apple is reportedly developing a bespoke version of iOS specifically designed for foldable form factors. This specialized software could unlock enhanced multitasking capabilities and optimize the user experience for larger displays, possibly even incorporating support for the Apple Pencil.
In 2023, the foldable smartphone market saw significant growth, with shipments increasing by 36% year-over-year, indicating a strong consumer appetite for this innovative device category (Counterpoint Research, 2023).
