Apple is finalizing preparations for one of the most anticipated launches of the last decade: its first foldable phone . According to leaks, the device will be unveiled in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, although its arrival in stores could be delayed by a few weeks. The new book-like format promises to be a game-changer in a market that has been dominated until now by Samsung and Huawei.
Reports agree that the foldable iPhone will have a design similar to the Galaxy Z Fold, with a 5,5-inch external screen and a 7,8-inch internal screen when unfolded. It will be just 4,5 millimeters thick when open , making it one of Apple's thinnest devices. However, this extreme thinness will necessitate sacrificing some features typically found in the Pro models.
A design that focuses on productivity
The internal screen will have a 4:3 aspect ratio, similar to the iPad, which will facilitate multitasking and content consumption. Apple has worked for years to reduce the central crease , a common flaw in foldable phones, and leaks point to a crease of less than 0,15 millimeters, virtually imperceptible. To achieve this, it will use ultra-thin glass and a liquid metal hinge, which is more resistant to deformation.
The chassis will combine titanium and aluminum to balance strength and weight. The decision to eliminate Face ID stems from a lack of space for the TrueDepth system, so Touch ID will be integrated into the side button. Furthermore, the device will feature two 48-megapixel rear cameras (main and ultra-wide), but without a telephoto lens, a notable omission in a high-end product.
Power and battery to sustain the format
The foldable iPhone will incorporate a next-generation processor, manufactured using 2-nanometer technology, offering up to 15% better performance and 30% lower energy consumption. The battery will be divided into two cells to optimize space , with a combined capacity that could be between 5.400 and 5.800 mAh, the largest ever seen in an iPhone. iOS 27 is also expected to include features specifically designed for foldable screens, such as the ability to run two apps simultaneously.
The vapor chamber cooling system will help keep temperatures under control during extended use. The lack of a telephoto lens and the exclusive use of eSIM are some of the compromises Apple has made to achieve a record-breaking thickness. Despite this, the device is positioned more as a technological showcase than a mass-market product.
A record price and a booming market
Estimates place the starting price of the foldable iPhone between $2.000 and $2.500, although versions with 1TB of storage could approach $2.900. That price would make it the most expensive iPhone ever , far surpassing the $1.899 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8. Even so, analysts predict that its arrival will boost the foldable market, with growth of up to 20% this year.
According to reports from consulting firms like Counterpoint and IDC, Apple could capture between 22% and 28% market share in its first year, second only to Samsung. The unveiling is scheduled for September, but the launch could be delayed until October due to the complexity of the hinge and rigorous quality control. Apple already employed a similar strategy with the iPhone X in 2017, announcing the product in September and releasing it weeks later.
More news at the event
Alongside the foldable phone, Apple will unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, featuring a familiar design but with camera improvements and a smaller Dynamic Island. The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 are also expected, boasting new processors and AI capabilities. The base iPhone 18 will not be at this event , as its launch has been pushed back to March 2027, according to leaks.
The September keynote will be the first without Tim Cook as host, as John Ternus will assume the role of CEO on September 1st. The event will be held at Apple Park and will be pre-recorded , with the press attending subsequent sessions. Although there is no official confirmation, everything points to the foldable phone being the main focus, with a "One More Thing" announcement that could mark a turning point for the industry.
Ultimately, the first foldable iPhone arrives with the mission of popularizing a category that is still niche. Its success will depend on durability, user experience, and Apple's ability to justify such a high price . If it overcomes these challenges, it could become the new benchmark for foldable phones, just as AirPods did for wireless headphones.
