It’s been a while since I last looked at Apple’s foldable iPhone and the rumours surrounding its design and release. But it seems data from the supply chain via Ming-Chi Kuo and insight from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and his sources suggests we’re getting closer to knowing what the folding iPhone will look like and when it will be available.
What will the folding iPhone look like?
Folding devices can either be folded across their short side or their longer axis. Most people have expected the fold to run across the middle of the iPhone, making the folding iPhone a modern take on the flip-phone design.
Kuo’s supply chain sources suggest those early expectations are incorrect. Kuo says:
The foldable iPhone will have a book-style design, featuring an approximately 7.8-inch crease-free inner display and an approximately 5.5-inch outer display.
There are several important details in that single sentence.
- The folding iPhone will be crease-free. Every smartphone maker with a folding model on the market has faced this challenge. None have succeeded in eradicating the crease across the display. Kuo is saying Apple has found a solution to that problem.
- It will fold out like a book.
- The internal display, that will be active when the device is opened will about the same size as an iPad mini. When closed, the display will be about the same as an iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro.
Kuo’s sources are usually very accurate. And his recent post provides plenty of detail. I upset that by the time this weekend is over we’ll be seeing some detailed renders being produced by other pundits.
Other folding iPhone features
Kuo’s laundry list of expected features is comprehensive. FaceID is out with TouchID via a side button, a la the iPad Air, in. The device, which we can reasonably expect to be more power hungry than any other iPhone, will use a new high-density battery that Apple is planning for the iPhone 17.
Given Apple has developed the C1 modem that appeared in the iPhone 16e with power efficiency in mind, and seems to be doing the same with a Wi-Fi chipset, optimising power supply and l be paramount to the iPhone Fold’s success.
What will the folding iPhone be called
Apple will want to ensure the new folding iPhone fits into the naming protocol but stands out.
While iPhone 18F makes sense (given the expected availability) I have a feeling Apple will avoid putting the letter F on the name. If there’s a problem with the launch (think of an Antennagate level issue), I can imagine how critics will call it the iPhone 18 Foul Up (or something like that).
Apple could be creative about how it counts the number of iPhone generations and dub it the iPhone XX (pronounced iPhone 20) to signal it’s a new chapter in the iPhone journey, much as it did with the iPhone X.
Price and availability
Unsurprisingly, the Folding iPhone will likely be priced at a premium. Kuo speculates between USD$2000 and USD$2500. That nudges it up to $4000 in Aussie dollars.
As far as availability goes, Kuo says:
Final specs will be locked in 2Q25, with the official project kickoff in 3Q25 and mass production slated for 4Q26.
As this is a new form factor and device class for Apple, we may see a prototype revealed at WWDC 2026. That will give software developers a chance to create new applications that can leverage the new display and other capabilities.
A formal release announcement will come in mid-late September 2026 with availability to commence in November 2026. This follow a similar pattern to the iPhone X release.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.