The iPhone Fold could be the most expensive iPhone in history

New data from Kuo, JP Morgan and other sources clarify the specs and timing of the first foldable iPhone, expected to be unveiled in 2026. The book-format model will be one of the most notable devices in the foldable smartphone market and will have a number of features that users have been waiting years for.

The new data from Kuo and JP Morgan’s sources clarify the specs and timing of the first foldable iPhone.

Large research firms predict that the release of Apple’s first foldable model will boost interest in the segment. The device will get several key features: an under-screen 24MP camera, a display with no visible crease and a battery with a capacity of more than 5,000 mAh —the largest in the iPhone lineup.

Cameras and display

JP Morgan indicated in a recent analyst report on Apple that the iPhone Fold will be in a paperback format, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. The internal front-facing camera will be placed below the screen and will have a resolution of 24MP — noticeably higher than the current 4-8MP of the current Android folding models.

According to UDN, Apple has solved one of the major problems with foldable devices — a visible gap in the internal display. The screen will be manufactured by Samsung, but Apple’s own components play an important role. When unfolded, the diagonal will be 7.8 inches, the outer display — 5.5 inches. In place of Face ID, Touch ID is expected to return — the sensor will be placed on the side edge.

The main camera unit will include four modules: a front camera hole on the outer screen, a 24MP sub-camera inside, and a dual 48MP main system.

Battery and production plan

Ming-Chi Kuo reports that the device will get a high-density battery with a capacity of 5,400-5,800 mAh. Chinese source Instant Digital confirms that the «exact» figure will exceed 5,000 mAh — that’s more than any iPhone, including the current high of 5,088 mAh in the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

And that’s a lot more than any iPhone, including the current high of 5,088 mAh in the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

The iPhone Fold’s battery will be behind the vivo X Fold 5 (6000 mAh) and Honor Magic V5 (5820 mAh), but will surpass the 4400 mAh Galaxy Z Fold 7 and 4822 mAh Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Kuo also clarifies the dimensions: when folded, it will be 9-9.5mm thick, when unfolded — 4.5-4.8mm. By comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is — 8.9mm and 4.2mm respectively.

The mass production launch is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. The second generation will enter mass production in the second half of 2027. Forecast shipments — 3-5 million units in 2026 and up to 20 million in 2027 including the next version.

Cost and test samples

Analysts at Fubon Research estimate the future price of the device at $2399, with other projections lying in the $2000-2500 range. That would make the iPhone Fold the most expensive iPhone in the lineup’s history.

It was previously reported that Apple is already assembling about 100 test iPhones of the Fold for the engineering verification and pre-production testing phases. These samples are expected to be fully functional and close to the final design.