Possible release date for foldable iPhone 'leaks' along with shocking rumored price tag

The future of the iPhone could be here, and while we're still a way off the typical September announcement window for the next line of phones, it looks increasingly like the iPhone 17 won't be the only product that threatens to drain our bank balances.

While we've got to hand it to Apple that it's got a license to print money thanks to its continued release of new iPhone models, its harshest critics have accused the tech giant of failing to innovate.

All of that could be about to change, as alongside rumors that the iPhone 17 Air will kickstart a new line of slimmer iPhones in 2025, other leakers are looking even further ahead.

While the jury is still out on foldable phones, Apple could finally be 'folding' to the idea if the latest leaks are to be believed.

As reported by 9to5Mac, the first foldable iPhone could be on the way by the end of 2026.

This comes courtesy of GF Securities' Jeff Pu. Pu wrote a note to investors that claimed Apple is working on a pair of folding devices. The first of these is a device similar to the iPhone which is on track to enter the P1 (prototype) stage in April 2025.

You'd better start saving now because Pu estimates a foldable iPhone would launch with a starting price of $2,299 in the USA.

Considering the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199, this is nearly double the price of Apple's current highest-end model.

The bank-busting price tag is expected to limit the sales volume of a foldable iPhone, although Pu predicts that Apple will "recover in 2026." Some have suggested the only way Apple can move forward is with foldable phones. This comes after concerns that Apple has lowered its market expectations due to the delay of the new Siri experience and customers not feeling a need to upgrade their phones because Apple Intelligence's much-hyped features weren't delivered on time.

Still, if these leaks are legitimate, the first foldable iPhone is expected to come with a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.7-inch inner display. This would give it the same specs as an iPad Mini when unfolded. For those worried about those notoriously smashable iPhone screens, there's word that Apple is working on new tech that will let it fold without a crease.

The other mystery product is tipped to be a foldable device that has an 18-inch screen - possibly being a new Mac or iPad that also folds without a crease.

This latest news comes amid rumors that Apple was toying with the idea of a portless iPhone 17 Air but later decided to stick with USB-C. Apparently, the plan is to eventually transition away from ports and adopt a charging approach similar to the Apple Watch.

Assuming that a foldable iPhone is coming, it would see Apple follow in the footsteps of other major brands. Notably, Samsung has been praised by many as having the 'best' foldable phone on the market with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. The 512GB version is currently on sale for $1,719.99, and while some will buy an Apple product just for the brand alone, there's no escaping the fact that $2,299 is a lot of money.