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Apple might just be ready to join the foldable smartphone race. According to the latest reports, the much-anticipated foldable iPhone, often referred to as ‘iPhone Ultra’, could launch as early as 2026. The new device will mark a major shift in the tech giant’s product lineup.
According to a recent report by Nikkei, Apple has started a mini pilot production line for foldable iPhones in Taiwan. The move indicates that the technology giant is seriously testing the hardware and manufacturing process ahead of a possible mass launch. In fact, after fine-tuning production in Taiwan, Apple is expected to replicate this setup in India.
Whipping up the rumor, Samsung Display is reportedly beginning to get ready foldable OLED panels for a major North American customer. Industry sources say that could be Apple.
That would make pretty good sense as Apple is rumored to be acquiring advanced flexible-fold displays from Samsung, one of the leaders in screen technology.
The foldable iPhone is likely to have a hinge that folds inwards like that of the Galaxy Z Fold series. Rumors about the specs suggest that it will have a compact 5.5-inch display and a giant 7.8-inch screen for users to experience once it is opened.
The information also includes a titanium frame and very thin glass, which would turn the gadget into a combination of modern and sturdy. Unlike regular iPhones, this model may incorporate Apple Touch ID in the side button instead of Face ID, perhaps to accommodate the folding form factor. It could also get an under-screen camera for the inner display.
Also Read: iPhone 18 Fold Leaks: Titanium Meets Aluminum in Latest Foldable Design
With such advanced materials and manufacturing complexity, the price of the foldable iPhone will be in the premium range of $2,000-$2,500, industry insiders predict.
Sales are projected at 8-10 million units in the first year, increasing to 20 million by 2027, which would underpin Apple’s confidence in the segment's growth potential.
Foldable smartphone production at scale has been hampered by inadequate quality control; however, Apple's entry can hasten its adoption by the public. If the problems with production or the supply chain occur, that would surely lead to delays.
An iPhone with a foldable screen does not look like a thing of the past; it is more of an imminent reality, with many credible leaks and supplier moves supporting that, and it is expected to alter the whole smartphone market very soon.
