Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman recently stated in his latest "Power On" newsletter that Apple is preparing for the first folding screen iPhone, calling it "the most significant upgrade in the history of the iPhone." In his view, the iPhone 4, iPhone 6 and iPhone X, which have attracted widespread attention, are all important nodes, but the folding screen iPhone represents a "completely new design form."
According to reports, the shape of this folding screen iPhone is similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. It adopts a "book-style" design that folds in half. When unfolded, it will provide a large-size internal screen, which is convenient for users to watch videos, play games, and perform multi-tasking. Apple plans to deeply optimize the folded form in iOS 27, support an iPad-like split-screen interface, allow applications to run side by side, and bring a more tablet-like multi-tasking experience.
According to multiple supply chain sources, this foldable iPhone is expected to be equipped with an internal screen of approximately 7.7 inches and an external screen of 5.3 inches, providing users with size options for different usage scenarios in the folded and unfolded states. Early rumors claimed that Apple wanted to achieve an almost "crease-free" internal screen, but subsequent reports pointed out that Apple ultimately adopted a panel technology that "reduces creases as much as possible but cannot completely eliminate them" to strike a balance between durability and look and feel.
In terms of hardware configuration, well-known Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that this folding iPhone will be equipped with dual rear cameras, a front-facing camera, and use Touch ID integrated in the power button instead of the Face ID solution currently used in flagship models. This design may be related to the folding structure, which is conducive to providing a more stable and consistent unlocking experience in different forms.
In terms of time planning, Apple is likely to officially release the folding screen iPhone at its autumn conference in September this year, debuting on the same stage as the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. However, analysts Tim Long and Gurman both pointed out that the launch of this folding machine is likely to be later than the iPhone 18 Pro series, and may not be officially shipped until after the fall.
In terms of price, initial estimates for the U.S. market are that the foldable screen iPhone will start at $1,999 or higher, positioning it significantly higher than the current mainstream candy bar iPhone models. This also means that Apple’s first foldable screen iPhone will be mainly aimed at high-end users and early adopters, and will also serve as Apple’s strategic layout product in the field of foldable mobile phones.