Although this year's new iPhone 17 series and iPhone AirJust launchedThe market focus has shifted to next year's new folding design "iPhone Fold". According to Bloomberg News reporter Mark Gurman in his latest "Power On" column, Apple's first folding design iPhone will bring significant breakthroughs in body, materials, and even price, and may continue the success of this year's iPhone Air.Ultra-thin concept.
Mark Gurman said that the appearance of the foldable iPhone model can be imagined as "two iPhone Airs side by side", and it can be folded and unfolded for use. The body will be made of titanium alloy metal, which will challenge the thickness limit of current foldable mobile phone products while taking into account both lightness and strength.
The current market view is generally that the iPhone Air launched by Apple this year may be a preparation for the design and process verification of the subsequent foldable models, and it will enter the market as a "test the waters" product to observe market attention.
Regarding production, Mark Gurman noted that the foldable iPhone will continue to be primarily manufactured in China. Despite recent rumors suggesting Apple will relocate production of the foldable model to India, current indications suggest China remains a key production location. However, Gurman also believes Apple may eventually diversify production to other markets to mitigate supply chain risks.
Another key issue is price. Reports suggest the foldable iPhone could cost at least $2000, with previous industry rumors suggesting it could be in the $2100 to $2300 range. This would place it significantly above the current Pro series, targeting high-end users and early adopters.
In terms of launch schedule, the foldable iPhone is expected to be released simultaneously with the iPhone 18 series, in September 2026. However, if the mass production progress is slightly delayed, it may be postponed to October or November before it is officially launched, similar to the launch strategy of the iPhone X that year.
Overall, a foldable iPhone will not only strengthen Apple's existing product line but also potentially set the stage for another era of smartphone design trends. If the rumors are true, next year's iPhone launch will go beyond a routine update and become a showcase that pushes the boundaries of phone form and craftsmanship.
