Apple is seemingly gearing up to make one of the largest transitions in the iPhone line of products with reports indicating that the company might omit the release of the iPhone 18 in 2026 to launch its first foldable iPhone.
The industry sources reveal that Apple will introduce a series of iPhone 17 in September 2025, and then iPhone 17e with a cheaper price model early in 2026. It is even possible that Apple will launch its foldable smartphone earlier than the regular iPhone 18 series that is predicted to appear in late 2026, with such premium options as iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and a novel iPhone 18 Air. In this case, the regular iPhone 18 might even take up to early 2027 to be released.
Foldable Design And Features
The next generation foldable iPhone is presumed to follow a booklike structure, and so much like the Samsung Galaxy z fold. Rumors point to it having an inner screen of 7.8 inches and the outer one of 5.5 inches, thus being small but efficient. Samsung Display is most likely to be the provider of panels, but it is natural that Apple will have its own improvements, like a trouble-free show and titanium structure that can protect it.
It is also reported that the foldable iPhone may lack the Face ID because of the constraints to the design of the device. Rather, Apple may add under-screen Touch ID or a fingerprint scanner mounted on the side. Among the rumored specs is an enhanced hinge structure that will easily fold thousands of times and not affect the device’s performance.
Pricing And Market Strategy
Should this phone be introduced, it is likely to cost as much as 1,800 to 2500 dollars which makes it one of the most exclusive products the company has to offer. According to the analysts, the price would appeal to the high-end and Apple-worshipping customers who would be willing to buy the product and also might threaten the leadership of Samsung in the foldable smartphone segment.
The lack of the iPhone 18 in 2026 can be a component of the larger plan of the company to stagger releases over time with the primary goal of keeping customers interested in the novel offerings. But analysts cautioned that abandonment of the standard Apple numbering scheme, which would risk confusion among purchasers used to seeing the same number each year, with variation only due to a bigger hardware increase.
What’s Next?
The June 2025 release of Apple iPhone 19 is expected to change the direction of the company dramatically. Should the foldable reach the second half of 2026, the product could become a historic moment in the history of Apple smartphones, as it will create a new perception of the iPhone brand in the market.
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