Kuo: Foldable iPhone Expected to Arrive in Late 2026

The foldable iPhone is highly anticipated, with analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicting a launch in late 2026. The device will feature a book-style design, a 5.5-inch outer screen, and a 7.8-inch OLED main display utilizing an advanced crease-free hinge from Bright Laser Technologies. It will integrate Touch ID in the power button instead of Face ID, maintaining a slim profile at 4.5-4.8mm unfolded. Constructed from stainless steel and titanium, the device is projected to cost between $2,000 and $2,500, with an initial production run in Q3 2025 and mass production in Q4 2026.

The anticipated foldable iPhone has emerged as a rare phenomenon in the realm of leaks. While we know it will eventually make an appearance, the timeline for its release and detailed specifications remain a topic of ongoing speculation. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has released a new report suggesting that Apple’s first foldable device is expected to debut in late 2026. Additionally, there are some more details regarding its specifications, which are certainly an exciting addition.

It’s important to remember that this information is purely speculative at this stage, so it should be viewed with that context in mind.

Apple is reportedly designing the foldable iPhone in a book-style format, featuring a 5.5-inch outer screen alongside a 7.8-inch OLED display. It is said that the main display will be “crease-free,” thanks to an innovative hinge mechanism. Kuo mentions that Bright Laser Technologies (BLT) is set to be the primary supplier for the foldable iPhone’s hinge and midframe.

Both of these components are thought to be constructed from stainless steel and titanium, with their slender designs necessitating advanced 3D printing technology—analogous to what Oppo accomplished with its Find N5.


Oppo Find N5's hinge features a 3D-printed titanium wing panel

Oppo Find N5’s hinge features a 3D-printed titanium wing panel

Furthermore, this foldable iPhone will not include Face ID but will incorporate a Touch ID fingerprint reader embedded within the power button located on the side. Kuo speculates that this decision aims to keep the device’s profile slim.

The foldable iPhone is expected to have a thickness of just 4.5–4.8mm when unfolded and 9–9.5mm when it’s folded. Its casing will utilize titanium, similar to the Pro model iPhones. The device’s rear is reportedly set to feature a dual-lens camera arrangement, along with front-facing cameras on both the cover and main displays.


Oppo Find N5 running macOS via O+ Connect

Oppo Find N5 running macOS via O+ Connect

Kuo suggests that an initial production batch of the foldable iPhone is slated for Q3 2025, with mass production expected to begin in Q4 2026, followed by the device’s official launch later that year.

As is typical for a first-generation product, it is anticipated to come with a substantial price tag. Kuo indicates that the folding iPhone will be priced between $2,000 and $2,500. He anticipates Apple will ship approximately 3–5 million units in 2026, while the second-generation model might reach up to 20 million shipments in 2027.

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