Apple is set to unveil its first foldable iPhone after a decade of development, marking a major shift in smartphone design. The device, expected to debut this week, will feature a flexible screen and a new form factor that challenges traditional phone shapes. The company’s new CEO, John Ternus, faces the challenge of reinvigorating innovation at a time when the tech giant has faced criticism over product stagnation.
The foldable iPhone is anticipated to come with a price tag exceeding $2,000, driven by the high cost of advanced memory components. This price hike signals a broader trend in the smartphone industry, where rising supply chain costs are pushing up device prices. Analysts suggest that the memory crunch shows no signs of easing, making a price increase inevitable.
Meanwhile, competitors like Xiaomi are already launching foldable devices in the same format as Apple’s rumored iPhone. Xiaomi’s 18 Fold, released just days before Apple’s expected launch, hints at a growing market for foldable phones. The global foldable smartphone market is projected to surpass 100 million units by 2026, with Apple’s entry likely to accelerate this growth.
Apple’s foldable iPhone also comes with a redesigned lineup, including the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which are expected to feature new color options and advanced camera systems. The company’s long-awaited innovation may redefine the smartphone landscape, but its success will depend on consumer acceptance of the new design and pricing.
