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Apple is preparing to launch its highly anticipated foldable iPhone this September, marking what Bloomberg's Mark Gurman describes as the "most significant overhaul in the iPhone's history." Expected to carry a premium starting price of $1,999, the device will introduce a radical book-style design aimed directly at competing with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. This shift represents a massive leap in Apple's hardware strategy, moving beyond the traditional slab form factor to offer a hybrid smartphone-tablet experience.
Writing in his Power On newsletter, Gurman compared the upcoming launch to historic milestones like the iPhone 4, iPhone 6, and iPhone X, noting that this represents an entirely new design paradigm. The foldable iPhone will reportedly feature a massive 7.7-inch inner display designed for immersive video consumption, gaming, and advanced multitasking. When closed, users will interact with a highly capable 5.3-inch outer display. While early rumors suggested a completely seamless screen, recent supply chain reports indicate that Apple is utilizing technology that significantly reduces the display crease without eliminating it entirely.
The internal hardware will also see notable shifts to accommodate the complex folding mechanism. According to Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the device will feature a streamlined camera array consisting of two rear cameras and a single front-facing lens. Most notably, Apple is expected to abandon Face ID for this specific model, opting instead for a Touch ID sensor integrated directly into the power button to save space and reduce display complexity.
Expected Features and Release Timeline
- Optimized Software: The device will run on iOS 27, which is specifically tailored for the foldable form factor to allow side-by-side app usage and iPad-like multitasking capabilities.
- September Unveiling: Apple is projected to announce the foldable device in September alongside the traditional iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max lineup.
- Staggered Launch: According to analysts Tim Long and Gurman, while the announcement will happen in September, the actual shipping date for the foldable model may be pushed back later into the fall.
My Take: The Strategic Shift in Apple's Lineup
The estimated $1,999 price tag positions the foldable iPhone strictly as an ultra-premium halo device, rather than an immediate mainstream replacement for the iPhone 18 Pro Max. By adopting a book-style fold similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Apple is clearly targeting power users who demand iPad-level productivity in a pocketable format. The integration of iOS 27 will be the true deciding factor in whether this hardware succeeds, as seamless software scaling has historically been the weakest point for competing foldable devices.
The decision to revert to a Touch ID power button is particularly telling about the current state of display technology. It suggests that integrating Face ID components into an ultra-thin folding display remains a significant engineering hurdle that Apple is not yet ready to cross. Ultimately, if Apple can deliver a flawless, bug-free multitasking experience that bridges the gap between iOS and iPadOS, this device could successfully redefine the company's mobile ecosystem for the next decade.
