Apple could follow Samsung's lead for first foldable iPhone in 2026

First foldable iPhone could borrow some ideas from Galaxy Z Fold series

According to reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will start the mass production of its first foldable iPhone in the fourth quarter of 2026. The device will likely be launched in late 2026 or early 2027. The report claims the foldable iPhone will lack Face ID and depend on a side-mounted fingerprint reader, similar to Galaxy Z Fold series devices.

The foldable iPhone will reportedly be priced between $2,000 and $2,500. Despite its extremely high pricing, it is expected to attract millions of consumers, thanks to top-tier hardware and AI-powered features. AI seems to be yet another thing that Apple will borrow from Samsung.

Apparently, the first foldable iPhone will have a book-style foldable form factor, similar to all Galaxy Z Fold series devices. It could feature a dual rear-facing camera setup and one front-facing camera on the 5.5-inch cover screen and the 7.8-inch internal foldable screen. According to the report, the foldable screen won't have a visible crease.

The foldable iPhone could be 9.5mm thin when folded and 4.5-4.8mm thin when unfolded. This is similar to the thickness the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to feature. The device is expected to feature a hinge made using stainless steel and titanium alloy, while its case could use titanium alloy.

Apple could use high-density batteries in the foldable iPhone, similar to the slim version of iPhone 17, which is rumored to go official later this year.

Watch our experience with the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition in the video below.

Apple said to be aiming to ship 20 million foldable iPhones in 2027

The analyst expects Apple to ship 3-5 million foldable iPhones in 2026. The second-generation foldable iPhone could be launched a year after the first generation, and Apple reportedly aims to ship 20 million foldable iPhones in 2027. That is double the yearly shipments that Samsung managed with the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3.

Hopefully, by the time Apple launches its first foldable iPhone, Samsung will remove the screen crease completely, increase the battery capacity to over 5,000mAh, and add improved camera hardware.