Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone is reportedly on track for a September 2026 launch, according to a new leak from renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. If accurate, this would position the device alongside the iPhone 18 series, marking Apple’s first foray into the foldable market. However, Kuo warns that its "premium pricing" could significantly limit its appeal—raising concerns about whether it can truly compete with rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Production Timeline and Expected Sales
In a recent X (Twitter) post, Kuo revealed that Apple plans to begin production of the foldable iPhone in 2025, setting the stage for a 2026 release. However, he also cast doubt on earlier reports suggesting Apple had ordered 15-20 million units, clarifying that this figure likely represents the device’s total sales over 2-3 years—not annual demand.
The reason? Price. Kuo suggests that the foldable iPhone’s steep cost will deter many buyers, much like the $3,500 Vision Pro did for Apple’s mixed-reality headset.
Why the Foldable iPhone Could Be Too Expensive
While exact pricing remains unconfirmed, previous leaks hint that Apple’s foldable iPhone could cost between $2,100 and $2,500—more than double the starting price of the current iPhone 16 Pro Max ($1,199).
For that premium, Apple is expected to deliver cutting-edge features, including:
An under-display camera (for a seamless screen)
A nearly invisible hinge seam
A high-quality display
Strong battery life
Yet, even with these upgrades, the sky-high price tag may put the device out of reach for most consumers—including die-hard Apple fans.
Will Apple’s Foldable iPhone Succeed?
With Samsung dominating the foldable market, Apple’s entry has been highly anticipated. However, if the pricing rumors hold true, the foldable iPhone may struggle to gain traction—at least initially.
As Kuo’s analysis suggests, Apple seems prepared for lower sales volumes, betting on early adopters rather than mass-market appeal. But with 2026 just around the corner, we won’t have to wait long to see if Apple’s gamble pays off—or if its first foldable becomes another ultra-expensive niche product.
Would you pay over $2,000 for a foldable iPhone? Or is Apple pushing the limits of what consumers are willing to spend? Let us know your thoughts!
Final Thoughts
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