Apple has stuck to its four-model iPhone lineup for quite some time, but that might change soon now. According to rumors, Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 17 Air in 2025, replacing the Plus variant. Following this shift, the company is also planning for the next year. In a recent report, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman confirmed that Apple is gearing up to launch a foldable iPhone in 2026. He also revealed that Apple's foldable device will adopt a book-style design rather than a clamshell-style fold.

Foldable iPhone to Take Inspiration from iPhone Air 

According to Gurman, Apple’s foldable iPhone will adopt a book-style design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, rather than a flip-style format. He also notes that the upcoming foldable device will include many of the advanced technologies featured in the highly anticipated ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air.

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be Apple’s thinnest iPhone yet, showcasing a sleek 5.5 mm profile. While this ultra-slim design may come with certain trade-offs, especially in speaker and camera capabilities, it will still deliver the core iPhone experience, including improved battery life compared to the iPhone 16e. 

What to Expect from Apple’s Foldable iPhone 

According to leaks and reports, Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone is expected to feature a 7.8-inch main display when fully unfolded, with a 5.5-inch external screen. Analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu, with leaker Digital Chat Station, suggest that Apple has finalized key hardware decisions, opting for a book-style design.

To improve durability, Apple is apparently including liquid metal in the hinges, a material previously used in smaller components like SIM ejector tools. Known for its strength and flexibility, liquid metal could help reduce screen creasing and extend the device’s lifespan, addressing common durability concerns with foldable phones.

The foldable iPhone is set to be remarkably slim, measuring just 4.5mm when unfolded and between 9mm and 9.5mm when folded, making it one of the thinnest foldable devices on the market. To achieve this sleek form factor, Apple may replace Face ID with a Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button, optimizing internal space. 

Another major focus will be the battery life with Apple reportedly opting for a high-density battery, though exact specifications remain unknown.

Expected Price 

Exact details about Apple’s foldable iPhone are not available, but according to Gurman, the device is expected to be priced at approximately  $2,000 (around Rs 1,71,885). He also suggests that initial production may be slow, resulting in limited availability. If everything proceeds as planned, the foldable iPhone could debut alongside the iPhone 18 series.