It’s been one of the most talked-about devices in tech for years, and now it looks like the wait is almost over. The Apple foldable iPhone, widely referred to in leaks as the “iPhone Fold” online, is shaping up to be one of the biggest product launches in Apple’s history, and Australian consumers are already taking notice.
What We Know About the iPhone Fold
Apple’s first foldable phone is on track to arrive during the company’s normal iPhone launch period, with the device scheduled to be introduced in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
Technology expert Trevor Long has explained the possible features of the device. The iPhone Fold will feature a roughly 5.5-inch display when closed and a roughly 7.8-inch inner display when fully open, giving users something that sits between a smartphone and a small tablet. Think of it like having an iPad mini folded neatly into your pocket.
Figure 1: The metal dummy of the foldable iPhone as shown by Trevor Long in a video. [Credit: Nine]
The device is expected to measure just 4.5mm when unfolded and around 9mm when closed, dimensions that put most traditional smartphones to shame. Apple has reportedly worked hard to tackle one of the biggest complaints about rival foldables: the crease down the middle of the screen. By fusing a titanium frame with an almost crease-free screen, the company intends to redefine the premium mobile category.
Design and Key Features
Apple went with a book-style foldable that will have an outer display and camera that can be used when the iPhone is closed and a larger, inner display that offers more screen space. This is the same general form factor used by Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, though Apple is betting it can do it better.
One notable trade-off: due to the very thin chassis, the iPhone Fold will have two rear cameras instead of three, with no telephoto, and there is no space for the TrueDepth camera system, so it will use Touch ID instead of Face ID. There will reportedly be two front-facing cameras, one for when the iPhone is closed and one for when it’s open, along with the largest battery ever seen in an iPhone, estimated at 5,000–5,500mAh.
Figure 2: The possible shape of a foldable iPhone compared with a traditional iPhone. [Credit: Nine/Trevor Long]
This is a significant upgrade for Apple loyalists who’ve been wanting more battery life. For more on how Apple continues to evolve its lineup, check out the latest on the iPhone 17e.
Production and Availability
Production on the iPhone Fold is reportedly behind schedule by roughly one to two months, with mass production now slipped to early August, though Apple has not communicated any launch delays to suppliers.
Apple is expected to take a cautious approach with limited initial production, estimated at around 7–8 million units. So if you’re hoping to grab one at launch, you may want to set your alarm early for pre-orders.
How Much Will It Cost?
Here’s the part that might sting a little. Industry analysts predict the iPhone Fold will cost between $2,000 and $2,500, making it Apple’s most premium iPhone offering to date. It won’t be for everyone, but for early adopters and tech enthusiasts, the Apple iPhone Fold is likely to be worth every cent.
Apple’s stock continues to reflect investor confidence in the company’s direction. AAPL recently closed at $270.23, up 2.59% on the day, and is up nearly 40% over the past year, a sign that Wall Street is very much on board with Apple’s bold 2026 roadmap. You can read more about Apple’s surging global iPhone sales here.
Conclusion
The launch of a foldable iPhone will be a major move for Apple, as it will allow the tech giant to better compete with foldable models from Samsung and China-based smartphone makers, which have long offered foldable phones.
For years, Apple sat back and watched rivals stumble through early foldable growing pains. Now, it’s ready to enter the space on its own terms — and knowing Apple’s track record, it could change everything. If you’re curious about how Apple is innovating across its full product range, take a look at the Apple MacBook Pro with Dynamic Island.
The era of a foldable iPhone from Apple Inc. may soon become a reality. Whether it lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: 2026 is shaping up to be Apple’s most exciting year in over a decade.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is based on industry rumours, analyst reports, and supply chain leaks available at the time of publication. Apple has not officially confirmed the design, pricing, release date, or specifications of any foldable iPhone. Details may change as the product launch approaches. All prices mentioned are in USD unless otherwise stated, and Australian pricing will vary based on local taxes and retail margins. This article should not be taken as financial advice. Stock data referenced is for informational purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the Apple foldable iPhone coming out?
The Apple foldable iPhone, widely referred to as the iPhone Fold, is expected to launch in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. However, some reports suggest production delays could push availability to as late as December 2026. Supply is also expected to be limited at launch, so getting one early may prove tricky.
2. How much will the Apple foldable iPhone cost?
Based on current analyst predictions, the iPhone Fold is expected to start at over $2,000 USD, with some estimates placing it as high as $2,500 USD. This makes it the most expensive iPhone ever released. Australian pricing has not been confirmed, but buyers should expect a significant premium on top of the US price once local taxes and import costs are factored in.
3. What is the screen size of the Apple iPhone Fold?
The iPhone Fold is expected to feature a 5.5-inch outer display when closed, which expands to a roughly 7.8-inch inner display when fully opened. This gives it a footprint similar to an iPad mini when unfolded, making it ideal for multitasking, reading, and media consumption.
4. Will the Apple foldable iPhone have Face ID?
No, current leaks suggest the iPhone Fold will not include Face ID due to its ultra-thin design. Instead, Apple is expected to integrate Touch ID directly into the side power button, similar to how it works on the iPad Air. The device will also feature two rear cameras rather than three, with no telephoto lens.
Sources
- https://www.9news.com.au/technology/trevor-long-first-apple-folding-smartphone-launches-this-year/691a71ff-74f0-4304-9eed-05ee55ee221c
- https://www.smh.com.au/technology/tech-expert-trevor-long-tips-apple-to-launch-folding-smartphone-20260420-p5zp9m.html
