Apple’s first foldable iPhone, expected to cost around $2000, is predicted to adopt a book-style design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold rather than the clamshell shape of the Galaxy Z Flip.
According to the IT industry on Friday, researcher Ming Chi Kuo of TF International Securities, renowned for his Apple predictions, shared his insights on the upcoming device. His forecast seems to have considered the data from Counterpoint Research, which shows that in China – the world’s largest foldable phone market – 67% of sales are of the book-style devices like the Galaxy Z Fold.
Kuo envisions the foldable iPhone sporting a 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.5-inch external screen. The device is expected to feature a dual-camera system on the rear and a single front-facing camera. When folded, the thickness is estimated to be between 9 and 9.5 mm, slimming to 4.5 to 4.8 mm when unfolded. The hinge mechanism will likely combine stainless steel and titanium alloys, with the case crafted from titanium alloy material. Kuo also suggests that the foldable iPhone will utilize the same ultra-thin, high-density battery cells as the iPhone 17. Due to thickness and internal space constraints, there is a possibility that Touch ID will be introduced on the side button instead of Face ID.
The most anticipated detail is the price. Kuo projects the foldable iPhone to be priced between $2,000 and $2,500. Despite the high cost, he believes that if the quality meets consumer expectations, the iPhone’s brand reputation and loyal customer base could drive strong demand for this innovative device.
According to Kuo’s timeline, Apple is expected to finalize the foldable iPhone’s specifications in Q2 2025, with the official project kicking off in Q3. Production is scheduled to take place in Q4 2025. However, due to the product’s complex structure, Kuo anticipates challenges in mass production until 2027, estimating initial shipments between 3 to 5 million units. He predicts that the second generation of foldable iPhones will be released in late 2027, potentially boosting annual shipments to 20 million units.
