Apple is reportedly planning to launch its first foldable iPhone in 2026, with a likely price tag around ₹1.75 lakh in India. This pricing is based on expected US costs of $2,000 to $2,500, adjusted for currency conversion, taxes, and import duties.
Industry analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo suggest that production could begin in late 2025, with a public unveiling in the second half of 2026, possibly alongside the iPhone 18 lineup.
The foldable iPhone is rumored to feature a book-style design, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, with an inner display measuring about 7.8 inches and a smaller external display around 5.5 inches. It may be significantly thinner than competing foldables, with an unfolded thickness as low as 4.5 mm.
To accommodate the slim form factor, Apple might replace Face ID with a side-mounted Touch ID sensor. The device is also expected to use premium materials such as titanium or stainless steel, and a new hinge design using liquid metal for added durability and a minimal crease.
Though the current expectation is for a 2026 release, some sources suggest the timeline could shift to 2027 if Apple decides to perfect the technology further before mass production. Given Apple’s typical pricing strategy and focus on build quality, the Indian price could climb higher depending on final specs and global pricing at launch. As of now, all details remain unofficial and based on leaks or analyst predictions.
Though the current expectation is for a 2026 release, some sources suggest the timeline could shift to 2027 if Apple decides to perfect the technology further before mass production. Given Apple’s typical pricing strategy and focus on build quality, the Indian price could climb higher depending on final specs and global pricing at launch. As of now, all details remain unofficial and based on leaks or analyst predictions.
Launch timeline
- Multiple reputable sources, including analysts Ming‑Chi Kuo and Mark Gurman, expect production to begin in late 2025, with a public launch likely in September 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 series.
Price in India
- Price estimates range from $2,000–$2,500. Given current conversion and import duties, that translates to approximately ₹1.72 lakh to ₹2.16 lakh in India.
- So, ₹1.75 lakh is on the lower edge but aligns with early $2,000‐based estimates.
Key Rumored Features
- Form factor: A book-style fold like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold, with a ~7.8″ inner display and ~5.5″ cover screen.
- Thickness: Around 9–9.5 mm when folded, and 4.5–4.8 mm unfolded.
- Biometrics: Rumored to ditch Face ID in favor of a side-mounted Touch ID sensor, to accommodate the slim form factor.
- Build & hinge: Premium materials like titanium and stainless steel; hinge could use liquid metal for durability and minimal crease.
- Display tech: Almost crease-free foldable OLED sourced from Samsung Display; iOS 27 optimized for multitasking; potential Apple Pencil support, 8K video, Wi‑Fi 7, etc.
Caveats & uncertainties
- Apple has not officially confirmed any details—so all of this remains speculative.
- Timelines have shifted in the past; there are even suggestions of a 2027 launch to ensure parity with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 quality.
- The price band is broad: if Apple targets the higher end of the USD 2,000–2,500 range, the Indian price could hit ₹2.1 lakh or more, depending on final currency conversion and taxes.
Bottom line
Your statement is broadly consistent with the current leak-based consensus:
- Apple’s first foldable iPhone is likely launching in late 2026, with production starting in Q4 2025.
- Estimated base price aligns around ₹1.75 lakh, though it could rise up to ₹2.1 lakh depending on final USD pricing and sourcing.
