While Apple has yet to officially announce a folding iPhone, multiple sources suggest that the tech giant is preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market — and it could happen as early as 2026 or 2027. When it does arrive, the folding iPhone might not only be a premium device, but also a technological leap forward that sets a new industry standard.
A Breakthrough Display for the Folding iPhone
According to a new leak from Korea’s Naver blog, the folding iPhone may feature a custom display developed in collaboration with Samsung Display. Apple reportedly demanded a display that excels in thinness, brightness, and power efficiency — and Samsung seems to have delivered.
The key innovation? The folding iPhone could use in-cell touch technology, where the touch sensors are built directly into the OLED panel. This differs from current foldables like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, which use on-cell touch (a separate layer above the display).
- In-cell touch offers several advantages for a folding iPhone:
- Reduces screen thickness by up to 19%
- Improves touch responsiveness
- Eliminates the lamination gap seen in many foldables
- Enhances battery efficiency
This could make the folding iPhone the thinnest foldable on the market — possibly even thinner than Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7, which is rumored to be just 3.9mm thick when open.
A Crease-Free Folding Experience?
One of the most exciting rumors surrounding the folding iPhone is that it may feature a completely creaseless display. If true, this would address one of the biggest complaints users have about existing foldable phones.
Reports suggest the folding iPhone could sport a 7.8-inch main screen when unfolded and a 5.5-inch cover screen on the outside, following a book-style design similar to the Galaxy Z Fold lineup.
But the success of this display heavily depends on one crucial factor — the hinge. Foldables often struggle with durability, especially when using in-cell touch technology. While Apple has filed patents related to foldable hinge mechanisms, we still don’t know exactly how it plans to overcome the wear-and-tear challenges over time.
Premium Technology, Premium Price
Like most Apple innovations, the folding iPhone is expected to come at a high price. Analysts predict the first model could cost over $2,100, putting it in the ultra-premium tier of smartphones. Whether that price will be accepted by mainstream users may depend on how revolutionary the device turns out to be.
When Will the Folding iPhone Be Released?
Most industry watchers now believe Apple will debut the folding iPhone in 2026, with a fallback to 2027 if development hurdles remain. Apple is known for taking its time to perfect hardware before entering a new category — and the folding iPhone appears to be no exception.
Final Thoughts
Apple may be entering the folding phone race later than its competitors, but with in-cell touch displays, ultra-thin design, and a potentially crease-free user experience, the folding iPhone could reset expectations for what a foldable smartphone should be. As 2026 approaches, anticipation is building — and the tech world will be watching closely.
