According to reports, Apple is working on a folding smartphone, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who shared details on March 5. Kuo works for TF International Securities and collects information from Apple suppliers in Asia. He affirmed that the device will have an internal 7 -inch screen that folds vertically, without a visible fold, along with a 5.5 -inch outdoor screen. The phone is expected to come between $ 2,000 and $ 2,500.
Despite the premium price, Kuo said that it is unlikely that the Apple fans base is deterred, and the company predicts that the folding phone “will generate a strong replacement demand” provided that the quality is up to the expectations.
By way of comparison, the largest variant of the iPhone 16 Pro Max costs $ 1,199.
It was rumored that the folding iPhone will come out in 2026
Folding phones are striking, but hinge can be broken under tension, so they are more likely to need repair than a flat model. Apple's hinge will be made of stainless steel and titanium alloy, Kuo said.
According to reports, mass production is scheduled for 2026, with a second generation model that is potentially launched the following year.
Apple continues to expand its generative characteristics of AI, and the folding phone is expected to be a key part of this strategy. Its largest divided screen design could allow new experiences promoted by AI, such as having a Chatbot of AI on a screen and an open map in the other, Kuo said.
See: The new Macbook Air has a price $ 100 less than its predecessor.
Face id is unlikely due to design limitations
On the other hand, Kuo also suggested that Face ID will probably not work on the folding phone due to the mechanical limitations related to the thickness of the phone (4.5-4.8 mm when it unfolds). Instead, Apple is expected to integrate tactile identification in the side button.
According to the reports, the device will have a single front camera that works if the phone is open or closed, while a rear camera remains locked inside the folded panels.
Apple faces hard competition in the folding market
Apple is entering a folding telephone market already dominated by Google and Samsung. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, with its horizontal or book form, is sold for $ 1,799. Samsung makes a folding phone (the galaxy z fold 6) and a flip phone (the galaxy z flip 6). Meanwhile, Motorola is also at his retro credibility with the RA RACE 2024 line.
