# The Evolution of Smartphones: Anticipating Apple’s Foldable iPhone in 2026
As the landscape of the smartphone industry progresses, Apple is ready to undertake a major advancement with the expected launch of its foldable iPhone in 2026. Esteemed analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has provided insights into what users can look forward to from this groundbreaking device, which is likely to carry a high-end price exceeding $2000. Below is an in-depth look at the features, specifications, and market repercussions of Apple’s forthcoming foldable iPhone.
## Superior Design and Construction Quality
Kuo highlights that the foldable iPhone will be aimed at the high-end market, underscoring Apple’s dedication to top-tier hardware. The device is anticipated to sport a refined design, with a body measuring merely 4.5 mm in thickness when opened, positioning it among the slimmest foldable smartphones available. The hinge is expected to be crafted from stainless steel and titanium alloy, ensuring sturdiness while keeping a lightweight form.
A key highlight of the foldable iPhone will be its display, engineered to eliminate the visible crease that affects many existing foldable devices. This advancement not only improves its visual appeal but also enhances the device’s status as a luxury product in the technology space.
## Touch ID or Face ID
Although many users have adapted to using Face ID for biometric security, Kuo anticipates that the first-generation foldable iPhone will omit this feature due to thickness and internal space limitations. Instead, Apple is likely to reintroduce Touch ID via a capacitive side button, mirroring the approach utilized in the iPad Air. This will represent the inaugural instance of a non-home-button iPhone featuring fingerprint recognition, providing users with an alternate way to unlock their device.
## Display Features
The foldable iPhone is expected to utilize a “folding book” design, incorporating an approximate 7.8-inch inner display along with a 5.5-inch outer display. When fully extended, the device will match the dimensions of an iPad mini, offering substantial screen space for multitasking and media enjoyment. This layout not only improves functionality but also consolidates Apple’s position as a frontrunner in the foldable smartphone arena.
## Photography Capabilities
Regarding photography, Kuo indicates that the foldable iPhone will be equipped with two rear-facing cameras and a front-facing camera that can be utilized in both folded and unfolded orientations. This adaptability will meet the rising demand for high-caliber mobile photography, allowing users to capture remarkable images no matter how they are using the device.
## Market Forecast and Production
As the release date nears, final specifications for the foldable iPhone are expected to be confirmed shortly, with mass production anticipated to commence in the final quarter of 2025. Kuo projects that initial shipments will be somewhat modest, ranging from 3 to 5 million units in 2026. This restricted supply can be linked to the intricate manufacturing processes required for a foldable device. Nevertheless, sales expectations suggest that Apple could move approximately 20 million units through 2027, including a second-generation model anticipated to debut in the latter part of that year.
## Final Thoughts
Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market marks a noteworthy evolution in the industry, with the upcoming foldable iPhone poised to transform user experience and design benchmarks. With its premium attributes, groundbreaking display technology, and an emphasis on quality, Apple seeks to engage the interest of tech aficionados and consumers alike. As we look forward to more updates, it’s evident that the foldable iPhone will serve not only as a showcase of Apple’s engineering capabilities but also as a crucial turning point in the advancement of mobile technology.
