Breaking: Apple's Foldable iPhone Upcoming in 2026, Says Top Analyst
iPhone manufacturer Apple reportedly planning for a foldable smartphone launch in 2026.
Ready your wallets, folks! The master of predictions, Ming-Chi Kuo, has hinted at Apple's plans for a foldable iPhone, slated for release in 2026 marking a decade of innovation after Apple's last major design overhaul.
Gearing Up for 2026
Kuo reckons Apple will kick off preparations for this revolutionary gadget in the last quarter of 2025 or the beginning of 2026. Mass production, however, is not expected to begin until the latter half of 2026.
In the Tech Sphere: Apple's Stealthy Evolution Many crucial aspects of the foldable iPhone are still under the wraps, including the design of the hinge – a complex component that plays a pivotal role in the smooth operation of foldable devices.
The Durable Display
Among the few components with final specifications is the display. The source of these high-quality panels is Samsung Display. According to Kuo, this collaboration is by no means a surprise, considering the superiority of Samsung's flexible screens as highlighted in existing devices.
Quantity Speaks
When it comes to numbers, Kuo suggests Apple has ordered 15 to 20 million foldable iPhones over the device's estimated lifecycle. The relatively low delivery quantities lead Kuo to speculate about a "premium price" tag, but he anticipates that demand will remain high due to Apple's devoted user base.
Possible Premium Price Point
Though everything is still blooming speculation and could change, Kuo predicts a price range between $2,000 and $2,500. With such a significant investment, Apple is banking on its reputation as a must-have brand to meet customer expectations of quality.
Prospects of AI Integration
In addition to the hardware improvements, Kuo also anticipates the implementation of AI technology to make Siri a more powerful assistant similar to Google's Gemini. The success of this feature, however, remains uncertain as it requires extensive development and high-quality implementation by the fall of 2026.
Touch ID Beyond the Home Button
On the hardware front, a return of the Touch ID fingerprint reader integrated into the power button seems likely due to constraints on space for face recognition in the slender chassis.
Book-Style Design
Mimicking the Galaxy Z Fold design, the foldable iPhone is expected to fold along the longitudinal axis, offering an internal 7.8-inch display with no noticeable crease. The outer display will measure approximately 5.5 inches.
Advanced Materials
The hinge will reportedly consist of a blend of stainless steel and titanium alloy, while the device’s body will also incorporate this robust material. The foldable iPhone promises battery life similar to that of the iPhone 17 Air, courtesy of high-density batteries.
Sources: ntv.de, kwe
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The Commission, amidst Apple's plan to release a foldable smartphone in 2026, might find it prudent to adopt a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as the development and production of such intricate technology as the foldable iPhone may involve harmful radiation.
Despite the complexities of a foldable iPhone, the use of smart gadgets and technology, such as this anticipated foldable device, may continue to advance, propelling innovation in the smartphone industry, much like Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone.
