Although Apple’s new iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air have only just launched this year, market attention has already shifted toward next year’s groundbreaking foldable design: the iPhone Fold. According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman in his latest Power On column, Apple’s first foldable iPhone will deliver striking innovations in body design, materials, and pricing—potentially extending the ultra-thin philosophy introduced with this year’s iPhone Air.
Gurman describes the foldable iPhone’s form factor as resembling “two iPhone Airs placed side by side,” capable of folding shut and unfolding flat. The device is expected to feature a titanium alloy chassis, balancing sleekness and durability while pushing the boundaries of thinness in today’s foldable smartphones.
Industry observers widely believe that the iPhone Air may have served as a testbed for the foldable model, validating new design principles and manufacturing techniques while gauging consumer response to Apple’s pursuit of extreme thinness.
On the production front, Gurman notes that manufacturing will remain centered in China, despite rumors of a possible shift to India. For now, China continues to be Apple’s primary base for such advanced production, though partial diversification to other regions may still occur in the future to mitigate supply chain risks.
Pricing, unsurprisingly, has become another focal point. Reports suggest the foldable iPhone will carry a starting price of at least $2,000, with estimates ranging between $2,100 and $2,300. This positions it well above the current Pro series, targeting premium customers and early adopters seeking cutting-edge innovation.
As for timing, the foldable iPhone is expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 series in September 2026. However, should mass production encounter delays, the launch could slip to October or November—mirroring the staggered rollout strategy once used with the iPhone X.
Overall, the foldable iPhone represents more than just an expansion of Apple’s existing lineup; it could mark a bold redefinition of smartphone design itself. If the rumors prove accurate, next year’s iPhone keynote will not be a routine update, but rather a spectacle of engineering ambition—a statement of Apple’s intent to once again reshape the future of mobile technology.
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