Key Takeaways
1. A foldable iPhone is being developed, resembling Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold in design and incorporating features from the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air.
2. The device will utilize innovative liquid metal hinge technology to reduce screen creases, improving the overall flatness of the display.
3. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the foldable iPhone could set a new standard for foldable displays in the market.
4. Expected specifications include a 5.5-inch outer screen and a 7.8-inch inner display, similar to an iPad mini.
5. Production is set to begin in Q4 2026, with a possible launch in early 2027, and the estimated price could be around $2,000.
For some time, there has been chatter about a foldable iPhone, and the most recent article from Bloomberg by Mark Gurman reinforces this idea. According to the article, the new iPhone is expected to look similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold regarding its design. The report also mentions that this foldable iPhone will incorporate some features from the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, which is only 5.5mm thick, suggesting that the upcoming device will be quite compact.
Innovative Hinge Technology
A key aspect of Apple’s foldable iPhone will be its liquid metal hinge, which will be produced by Dongguan EonTec, Apple’s chosen supplier. This hinge aims to tackle one of the major problems with foldable phones: the creases that appear on the screen. Typically, Apple uses liquid metal for smaller items like SIM ejector tools, but they are now looking to use this technology to improve the flatness of the screen.
Analyst Insights
Interestingly enough, just last week, Ming-Chi Kuo, a reliable analyst known for his accurate forecasts, reiterated this information. He also mentioned that this innovation could establish a new benchmark for foldable displays that other Android brands might follow. Kuo indicated that the foldable iPhone could come with a 5.5-inch outer screen and a 7.8-inch inner display, resembling an iPad mini.
At this point, Apple has yet to disclose any technical specifications for the foldable iPhone. Nonetheless, Gurman indicated that the price might be around $2,000, with limited availability initially. It is anticipated that production for the foldable iPhone will commence in Q4 2026 and that it may debut in early 2027, likely alongside the iPhone 18 series. This aligns with predictions made by analyst Jeff Pu in a previous report. In any case, it seems we will have to wait a while before we catch our first official glimpse of the foldable iPhone.