iPhone Fold: What We Know So Far About Apple's 2026 Foldable
CNET rounds up rumors that Apple’s first foldable iPhone could arrive in September 2026, cost over $2,000, and use a wide, book-style design.
Intelligence analysis by GPT-5.4 Mini
CNET says Apple’s foldable phone is still unannounced, but leaks now point to a late-2026 debut and a possible name like iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra. The report focuses on design rumors, pricing chatter, and why Apple’s entry could shift a tiny foldable market.
Apple may be working on a phone that opens like a little book. People think it could cost a lot and show up in 2026, but Apple has not said yes yet.
Analysis
What the rumors say
CNET says the first foldable iPhone could be introduced as early as September 2026. The device may be called the iPhone Fold, iPhone Ultra, or iPhone Flip, but the article leans most heavily on rumors that point to a book-style foldable rather than a clamshell design.
Design clues
Recent leaks, including alleged dummy molds from Sonny Dickson, suggest a wider, squatter shape that would resemble the original Google Pixel Fold more than the taller Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Another report cited by CNET says the screen could have little or no crease, which would be a notable technical improvement because visible creases remain a common complaint on foldables. A separate rumor from Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital says Apple’s hinges could use liquid metal, though CNET notes that Apple has had years of patents and rumors around Liquidmetal without shipping many products using it.
Market impact
CNET frames foldables as a small part of the phone market today. The article cites a CNET survey saying 64% of people do not want a foldable phone. Even so, IDC analysts reportedly think a 2026 Apple launch could lift global foldable sales by 19% and help Apple capture about 24% of the market.
Price and caution
One analyst quoted in the piece expects a price between $2,000 and $2,500. CNET stresses that Apple has not said anything official yet, so all of this remains rumor until the company confirms it.
Key points
- CNET says Apple’s first foldable iPhone could arrive as early as September 2026.
- The rumored names include iPhone Fold, iPhone Ultra, and iPhone Flip.
- Leaks point to a book-style design with a wide, squat shape.
- One report says the display could have little or no crease.
- Analysts cited by CNET expect a price between $2,000 and $2,500.
If the rumors are accurate, Apple could make foldable phones feel normal to a much bigger group of buyers. A cleaner screen with little or no crease would also address one of the biggest complaints about foldables.
The price may be high enough to keep many buyers away, especially since foldables are still a small part of the market. The article also notes that Apple has not confirmed anything, so the product could still change or slip later.
