Apple to Launch First Foldable iPhone: Everything We Know So Far
Apple is finally entering the foldable smartphone market. Here’s everything you need to know about the first foldable iPhone — specs, design, launch timeline, and Indian context.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Apple’s Foldable iPhone: A Long Time Coming
- Expected Launch Timeline
- Design and Display: What to Expect
- Software Innovations for the Foldable Form
- Performance and Battery Expectations
- Camera Setup and Imaging Potential
- Apple Foldable vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
- India-Specific Relevance and Launch Strategy
- Price Expectations in India
- Market Impact and Competition in India
- Actionable Insights: Should You Wait for the Foldable iPhone?
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Introduction
Apple is poised to make its boldest move in years — launching its first-ever foldable iPhone. After years of speculation, supply chain whispers, and patent filings, Apple is finally taking the plunge into the foldable smartphone market, a segment currently dominated by Samsung, Huawei, and Oppo.
If you’re in India and wondering whether Apple’s foldable iPhone will revolutionize the market the way the original iPhone did, this post dives into every confirmed and rumored detail to help you decide.
Apple’s Foldable iPhone: A Long Time Coming
Apple has long studied the foldable form factor from a distance. Unlike its Android competitors, the Cupertino-based tech giant waits for technologies to mature before integrating them into its ecosystem.
Over the past five years, Apple has filed dozens of patents related to foldable displays, hinge mechanics, and flexible battery designs. The company reportedly began prototype testing in 2020, with partners like LG Display and BOE playing a role in panel development.
Key Patents Filed by Apple:
- Hinge durability mechanisms
- Flexible OLED display panels
- Under-display Face ID for foldables
- Dual-screen multitasking UI patents
Expected Launch Timeline
Based on multiple reports from Ming-Chi Kuo, Mark Gurman, and The Elec, Apple is aiming for a late 2026 or early 2027 launch for its foldable iPhone.
Likely Launch Windows:
- Prototype Finalization: Q2 2025
- Mass Production Prep: Q3 2026
- Global Launch: Q4 2026
- India Launch: Within 30–45 days of global release (similar to iPhone 15 rollout strategy)
👉 CTA: Want to be first to own Apple’s foldable iPhone in India? Subscribe to our newsletter for instant preorder alerts.
Design and Display: What to Expect
Apple’s design language has always focused on elegance and usability, and the foldable iPhone is no exception.
Form Factor Speculations:
- Book-style fold (like Galaxy Z Fold)
- Clamshell style (like Galaxy Z Flip)
- 8.3-inch OLED display (unfolded)
- 6.2-inch outer display
- Titanium or carbon-fiber hinge for better durability
Apple is rumored to be working with LG and Samsung Display for dual-stack OLED panels that promise better brightness and power efficiency.
Software Innovations for the Foldable Form
Apple is likely to integrate a special version of iOS or hybrid iPadOS with features optimized for a foldable display.
Software Highlights:
- Split View multitasking
- App continuity across inner and outer screens
- Custom gesture support
- Under-screen Touch ID or Face ID
- Dynamic Island transitions from folded to unfolded states
Expect deep ecosystem integration with macOS and iPadOS — opening the doors for pro users and creators in India.
Performance and Battery Expectations
As per leaks, the foldable iPhone could debut with the Apple A19 Bionic or a new M-series chip for exceptional performance.
Performance Expectations:
- 8-core CPU + 12-core GPU
- 8GB/12GB RAM options
- 512GB to 2TB storage variants
- Foldable battery tech to sustain dual-display output
- Up to 4,500 mAh battery with MagSafe support
Camera Setup and Imaging Potential
Expect Apple’s standard high-end imaging stack — possibly adapted for foldable form.
Camera Predictions:
- Main 48MP sensor with quad-pixel tech
- 12MP ultra-wide with macro mode
- 12MP 3x telephoto lens
- LiDAR scanner for AR
- Front punch-hole selfie on cover display
- Under-display camera inside
Foldables open up possibilities like:
- Selfies with main camera when folded
- Video calling while multitasking
Apple Foldable vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
| Feature | Apple Foldable iPhone (Expected) | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 8.3” OLED dual-stack | 7.6” Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Chipset | A19 Bionic / M-series | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| OS | iOS-Fold / iPadOS Hybrid | One UI on Android 14 |
| Battery | 4,500 mAh (est.) | 4,400 mAh |
| Durability | Enhanced hinge + water-resistant | IPX8 rating |
| India Price (Est.) | ₹1,59,900+ | ₹1,54,999 |
India-Specific Relevance and Launch Strategy
India is now Apple’s 5th largest iPhone market, and foldable devices are gaining interest among affluent users and creators.
Apple’s increasing manufacturing footprint in India (via Foxconn and Tata Electronics) could result in local assembly, helping control pricing and expedite launch.
Expect Apple to partner with:
- Apple Premium Resellers (APR)
- Online Apple Store India
- Amazon & Flipkart for preorders
👉 CTA: Planning to buy from India? Save this post for future updates and exclusive launch deals.
Price Expectations in India
Based on Apple’s pricing patterns and the complexity of foldables, here are the expected Indian prices:
| Model | Expected Price |
| 256GB | ₹1,59,900 |
| 512GB | ₹1,79,900 |
| 1TB | ₹1,99,900 |
| 2TB (Pro only?) | ₹2,19,900 |
EMI options and cashback via HDFC/Axis Cards will likely be part of the launch campaign.
Market Impact and Competition in India
Apple’s entry into the foldable space will shake up the Indian premium smartphone market.
Key Competitors:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 & Z Flip6
- Oppo Find N3
- OnePlus Open
- Motorola Razr 50 Ultra
Impact Highlights:
- Push for premium trade-ins
- iPad and Mac users may shift to foldable iPhone
- App developers to re-optimize for foldable layouts
- Greater demand for 5G + foldable experience
Actionable Insights: Should You Wait for the Foldable iPhone?
✅ Buy Now: If you need a phone urgently, go for the iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6.
⏳ Wait for Foldable iPhone if:
- You’re invested in Apple’s ecosystem
- You want the best foldable UX + performance
- You’re planning to upgrade after 2+ years
📦 Tip: Trade in your older iPhone via Apple India Store to save up to ₹30,000.
FAQs
Q1: Will the foldable iPhone be made in India?
Apple may assemble it locally if supply chain partners ramp up foldable tech in Tamil Nadu or Karnataka facilities.
Q2: Will it support Apple Pencil?
Possibly. A smaller version of Apple Pencil could be introduced with pressure-sensitive foldable displays.
Q3: Will it be waterproof?
Expect at least IPX4 or higher resistance, but hinge-related limitations might exist.
Further Reading
Final Thoughts
Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone is more than a form factor shift — it’s the next big leap in mobile computing. With its hybrid OS, power-packed internals, and iconic design, the foldable iPhone could redefine how Indians use their iPhones — blending productivity, portability, and power.
📢 Don’t miss out!
👉 Bookmark this page
👉 Join our WhatsApp or Telegram tech community
👉 Get instant launch updates, pricing alerts, and preorder links