It’s been rumoured for years, but it seems Apple may be one step closer to finally launching a bendy iPhone. Flexible screens have been fitted to a swathe of Android devices for years, with Samsung first unveiling this technology all the way back in 2019. Since then, the Korean technology giant has gone on to release its range of Flip and Fold devices, with these gadgets proving hugely popular with consumers thanks to their huge screens that can be snapped in half to make them easier to pocket.
Despite this explosion in foldables, Apple has remained tight-lipped about joining this smartphone revolution, but that might be about to change.According to top Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo – who has a habit of getting the latest Apple news correct – an iPhone with a flexible display may arrive as soon as 2026.
Kuo says he expects this new device to feature a book-style design – a bit like Samsung’s Galaxy Fold range – rather than a flippable design similar to Motorola’s iconic Razr phone.
Once opened, users could then get a massive 7.8-inch iPad-style display, which will make it easier to multitask, along with getting more space for movies and having numerous apps open at once.
Some think Apple may be taking its time on launch in a bid to iron out the annoying crease found on all current Android foldables.
Other extras on this upcoming call maker could include a very thin titanium design, long battery life and a dual-lens rear camera.
Kuo also thinks Apple will ditch Face ID unlocking technology and revert back to Touch ID. That’s due to making this phone’s dual displays as thin as possible. Face ID tech can’t be squeezed into such a thin design – that’s why it doesn’t feature on the MacBook.
It’s all exciting stuff, but it could come at a very high price.
Kuo reckons Apple’s first generation of foldable iPhones could cost anywhere up to £2,500 (£1,940) – ouch!
“The first-generation foldable iPhone is expected to retail above $2,000 and $2,500,” explained Kuo.
“Leveraging the iPhone’s status as a must-have device and Apple’s loyal fanbase, it’s expected to generate strong replacement demand—despite the premium price—provided quality meets expectations.
It seems unlikely that Apple will reveal anything this September when the iPhone 17 gets shown to the world, but maybe 2026 will be the year Apple finally takes on its Android rivals.
If you’ve been waiting for a foldable iPhone – watch this space
