Apple may be testing iPhone Fold features with the iPhone Air
Apple's recently launched iPhone Air design could be the basis of its rumored iPhone Fold foldable device, which is set to launch in 2026.
Apple’s latest iPhone Air has been on the market for less than one month, but the brand’s foray into the ultra-thin smartphone market could be an incremental design jump before taking its ultimate leap into foldable territory, according to Bloomberg analyst, Mark Gurman.
The pundit detailed in the Power On newsletter that the rumored iPhone Fold foldable device design, is expected to be "two titanium iPhone Airs side-by-side." Ultimately, the sleek iPhone Air, which was released with a titanium frame and IP68 water and dust resistance rating as highlight features, was a test bed for the future product as many predicted. Apple achieved a milestone with the model by making it the thinnest iPhone to date at 5.6mm. The brand will likely be on track to beat that record with the impending foldable.
The iPhone Fold is expected to launch next year during the typical fall release timeframe, with Gurman stating it should be "the star of Apple's 2026 product lineup." He added that the device is set to be "super thin and a design achievement." While specifications about the iPhone Fold dimensions remain unconfirmed, current foldables on the market already test the boundaries of how thin a smartphone can get. Circulating rumors suggest that Apple’s foldable could range between 4.5mm and 4.8mm in width unfolded and between 9mm and 9.5mm when folded, Tom’s Guide noted.
Apple’s launch plan could notably mirror the rollout of Samsung’s ultra-thin smartphone and foldable. The Galaxy S25 Edge, which has a titanium frame and is 5.8mm in width launch was released in May, ahead of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 foldable, which debuted in June as the brand’s thinnest foldable to date and one of the thinnest devices on the market is 4.2mm in width when lying flat.
Gurman also expects the iPhone Fold to be "ridiculously expensive compared with past iPhones," with a figure estimate on the device being at least $2,000, the device would be the most expensive iPhone to date. However, Samsung has already established this price as a standard starting price for high end foldables.
Other rumors suggest the iPhone Fold may feature a 7.8-inch main display and 5.5-inch cover display, with Apple doing its best to provide a creaseless display on the device. The foldable is expected to pack a battery between 5,000 and 5,500mAh, similar to the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Outside of its rumored titanium frame, there is no telling what material will be used for its outer panels. We cannot estimate whether the iPhone Fold will be even more like the iPhone Air and other iPhone 17 models with Ceramic Shield 2 covering the front and back panels. Much like high-end Android counter parts, Apple will likely want the device to look sophisticated, which will likely entail high-end materials.