While it seems almost certain that there will be a foldable iPhone , possibly towards the end of next year, there's still not much information about what that device will look like. However, in the latest edition of the Power On newsletter , Mark Gurman reports that the phone will look more or less like two iPhone Airs stuck together .
That means it should be quite thin, though probably thicker than the Pixel 10 Pro Fold (10.8mm) and Galaxy Z Fold7 (8.9mm), as an iPhone Air is 5.6mm thick. However, sources from Ming-Chi Kuo, another leading Apple analyst, claim that the foldable will be considerably thinner when unfolded, possibly just 4.5mm. Unfortunately, Gurman expects the foldable iPhone to cost more than the Pixel Fold, starting at at least $2,000, maybe more.
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Foldable iPhone: Expected to be quite durable
Since the new phone will look like the iPhone Air, it's expected to be durable. While foldables have improved a lot over the years, there are still concerns about how they hold up to everyday use. But Gurman says the foldable iPhone will be made of titanium (like the Air), which both JerryRigsEverything and iFixIt have found to be quite durable.
iFixIt also gave the iPhone Air a surprisingly good repairability score of 7. If the foldable iPhone could even come close to that score, it would be a big deal. Both the Pixel Fold and the Z Fold7 received repairability scores of 3, meaning these phones, which are much more fragile than your typical glass rectangle, are also much harder to repair.
Apple and foldable phones
Adding a foldable iPhone is perhaps Apple's biggest challenge in recent years, not just from a technological but also a strategic perspective. The company has been notoriously slow to enter the foldable category, while competitors like Samsung and Google have already built experience and consumer trust. This means that Apple's first foldable can't be just "just another" phone that folds; it has to set new standards in durability, ergonomics, and user experience.
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The biggest bet is reliability. Foldable devices to date have improved, but they are still considered fragile, with problems with screens, folding mechanisms and, of course, repair costs. Apple, which traditionally builds a reputation around “premium” and “long-lasting”, does not have the luxury of presenting a product that will risk “breaking” easily or ending up in service quickly. The use of titanium can improve durability, but the question is the overall experience: from the feel in the hand to how many times it can be folded before damage begins to appear.
Another critical issue is pricing. If the foldable iPhone starts at over $2,000, we're talking about a device category that will appeal only to the most fanatical or to those who see it as a prestige professional tool. Apple may be counting on the power of its brand, but the reality is that consumers are now more careful with their spending and want more value for their money. If the product doesn't really stand out in functionality or durability, the high price could discourage a large part of the market.
Finally, there's the issue of usability. Foldable devices promise a "two-in-one" experience — a phone and a tablet — but everyday experience shows that most users are taking limited advantage of this advantage. Apple will need to find ways to differentiate itself by integrating features into iOS that make folding truly meaningful and not just an impressive gimmick.
See also: Apple's tips for better fitting AirPods Pro 3
Overall, Apple has to balance three requirements: true innovation, high durability , and reasonable market value. If it manages to combine all three, it could redefine the future of foldables. If not, it risks entering a market that has already moved on without it.
