It is one of the world’s leading tech companies but, unlike its rivals, Apple is yet to reveal its own folding phone design.
Now, a possible release date for the long-rumoured foldable iPhone has leaked online – and it suggests tech fans don’t have long to wait.
According to reports from Apple analysts, the foldable iPhone could be launched before the end of 2026.
The rumours also suggest that Apple’s latest innovation won’t come cheap, with an expected price tag of $2,299.
That would make the ‘iPhone Fold’ almost twice the price of Apple’s current most expensive smartphone, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which starts at $1,199 (UK price £1,199).
Despite the eye-watering price, experts predict that the foldable phones’ release could save Apple from a sales slump after the disappointment of Apple Intelligence.
The foldable iPhone is expected to feature a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.7-inch inner display, making it about the same size as an iPad Mini when unfolded.
Apple’s biggest innovation is expected to be a new technology that allows the screen to fold without a crease.
The rumoured release date comes from two independent analysts who have access to Apple’s manufacturers in Asia.
The first, Jeff Pu of GF Securities, wrote in a note to investors seen by 9to5Mac that Apple is currently working on two folding devices.
The first is an iPhone-like device which is supposedly planned to enter mass production in the second half of 2026.
Mr Pu adds that this device ‘remains on track’ to enter an early stage of prototyping next month.
In addition to the foldable smartphone, Mr Pu also claims that Apple is working on a foldable device with an 18-inch screen.
This larger option may end up becoming a new Mac or iPad device but the exact details are currently unknown.
Mr Pu’s reports match reports from veteran Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo who suggested earlier this month that Apple was preparing to launch their first foldable smartphone in 2026.
According to Mr Kuo, the folding device will feature two rear cameras, one front camera, a high-density battery, and a Touch ID button instead of Face ID.
The second report comes from Tim Long of Barclays, who claimed in an investor note seen by MacRumours that a foldable iPhone would be on its way.
However, after meeting with hardware manufacturers in Asia Mr Long believes that the foldable iPhone would be Apple’s most expensive smartphone to date.
Mr Long claims that the foldable iPhone would start at $2,299 which, although extremely expensive, reflects the premium cost that folding phones typically command.
For example, the folding Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 costs $1,899 (£1,799) about double the cost of the lower-range Samsung Galaxy S25 which starts at $799.99 (£799).
Although Mr Long believes that the price tag might put off some customers, analysts are confident that the folding iPhone will be enough to revitalise Apple’s sales.
According to Mr Pu’s note to investors, Apple’s failure to deliver Apple Intelligence features like an enhanced Siri voice assistant has dampened customers’ interest in newer iPhones.
Since the iPhone 16 was billed as a phone built specifically for Apple Intelligence, Mr Pu says customers didn’t see the point in upgrading to the pricier model with such lacklustre features.
However, Mr Pu says that the company will ‘recover in 2026’ regardless of its progress with Apple Intelligence thanks to the release of folding devices.
Once a niche market, Apple now faces serious competition in the foldable space from manufacturers including Samsung, Google, and Chinese phone makers like Xiaomi and Huawei.
The Mobile World Congress (WMC) earlier this year was dominated by increasingly wacky folding devices including phones, tablets, and even laptops.
While Apple has so far shown little interest in folding devices, the success of rival products might be spurring the tech giant into action.
It is important to note that these reports are based on discussions with manufacturers and sources in the supply chain and the details could be subject to change.
Likewise, Apple has remained tight-lipped about any possible devices in the works and did not respond to MailOnline’s request for comment.
But if these rumours are true, it may mean that Apple fans can get their hands on a revolutionary folding iPhone before the end of next year
