Apple to Release First Foldable iPhone Next Year

Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman has confirmed that Apple is planning to release its first foldable iPhone next year, which has been rumored for a long time. He says the device will look more like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold than the Galaxy Z Flip, which means it will have a flip-phone form factor.

Image Source: 9to5mac.com

Gurman also noted that the foldable iPhone will use the technologies embedded in the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to be launched this year. The iPhone 17 Air will be the thinnest iPhone in history – its thickness will be only 5.5 mm. To achieve such parameters, the developers had to make compromises related to cameras and speakers. However, despite this, the device will retain high autonomy and all the key functions of the iPhone.

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to help Apple engineers pack as many components as possible into an ultra-thin design, which is critical when creating a foldable iPhone.

There are few details about the design and specifications of the new product. However, according to Gurman, the cost of the foldable iPhone will be about $2,000. Its availability is expected to be limited at the start of sales, since the production of such devices requires significant time costs.

If Apple’s plans remain unchanged, the foldable iPhone will be part of the iPhone 18 lineup. According to information from reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the smartphone will have a 5.5-inch external display and a 7.8-inch internal display, similar to the iPad mini.