What is the iPhone Fold, and when does it launch?

The iPhone Fold is Apple's first foldable phone, expected to launch in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. It uses a book-style design with two displays: a 5.5-inch cover display on the outside and a 7.8-inch inner display when unfolded.

When does the iPhone Fold launch?

The iPhone Fold will launch in September 2026, sharing the announcement event with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Pre-orders will open shortly after, with general availability the following week.

How much will the iPhone Fold cost?

The iPhone Fold starts at $1,999 for the 256GB model, with higher storage tiers reaching $2,499. This makes it the most expensive iPhone ever made.

What are the iPhone Fold specs?

• Cover display: 5.5 inches OLED, 60Hz
• Inner display: 7.8 inches OLED, ProMotion 120Hz
• Chip: A20 Pro (same as iPhone 18 Pro)
• RAM: 12GB
• Camera: 48MP main + 48MP ultrawide, no telephoto
• Battery: ~5,400 mAh combined (dual-cell)
• Modem: Apple C2
• Hinge: Custom Apple's design, crease-suppression

What is special about the iPhone Fold hinge?

Apple has engineered a custom hinge that, when closed, leaves no visible gap between the two halves of the device. The inner display has a near-invisible crease, a meaningful improvement over the visible creases on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series.

The hinge uses a multi-link design with two interlocking arms that fold flat when the device is closed. Apple has reportedly filed 50+ hinge-related patents since 2018.

How durable is the iPhone Fold?

Apple has not officially rated the iPhone Fold durability, but supply-chain reports suggest the inner display is rated for 200,000+ folds. The hinge is rated for the same. Apple Store employees will receive specialized training for in-store iPhone Fold repairs and screen replacements.

Should I buy the iPhone Fold?

The iPhone Fold is for early adopters who want the most premium Apple device available, regardless of price. If you are considering a foldable for the first time, the iPhone Fold is the most polished option in 2026. If you have been waiting for Apple to release a foldable, the iPhone Fold will be the one to get.

For more on whether the iPhone Fold is right for you, see our iPhone Fold hub.

How does the iPhone Fold compare to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8?

Feature	iPhone Fold (rumored)	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (rumored)
Cover display	5.5 inches	6.3 inches
Inner display	7.8 inches	7.6 inches
Chip	A20 Pro	Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
RAM	12GB	12GB
Battery	5,400 mAh	4,800 mAh
Thickness (unfolded)	4.2mm	5.6mm
Weight	240g	268g
Starting price	$1,999	$1,899

The iPhone Fold will be thinner, lighter, and have a larger battery, but will cost $100 more than the Samsung. Apple's software (iOS 27 with new multitasking features optimized for the inner display) and AppleCare+ repair network are the differentiators for buyers already in Apple's ecosystem.

What apps will be optimized for the iPhone Fold inner display?

Apple has reportedly been working with major app developers to optimize their apps for the 7.8-inch inner display. Expect optimized versions of:

• Safari: Two-pane tab view, desktop-class website rendering
• Mail: Two-pane inbox with message list on the left and message on the right
• Notes: Two-pane note list and note view
• Messages: Two-pane conversation list and conversation view
• Maps: Full-screen map with sidebar for search and saved places
• Photos: Two-pane library grid and photo detail view
• Files: Two-pane file browser

iPad apps will run on the iPhone Fold inner display at native iPad resolution. iPhone apps will run at 1x or 2x scaling, with letterboxing if the aspect ratio does not match.

Will the iPhone Fold support the Apple Pencil?

Not at launch. The iPhone Fold does not have Pencil support in the September 2026 release. Apple is reportedly working on a smaller Pencil for the iPhone Fold, but it is not expected to ship until 2027 at the earliest.

What are the iPhone Fold colors?

The iPhone Fold is expected in three colors at launch:

• Black (the most popular foldable color)
• White (a brighter, more fashion-forward option)
• Light Gold (a new hero color, similar to the iPhone XS Gold)

No Dark Cherry or Light Blue options are expected for the iPhone Fold. The titanium finishes used on the Pro line are also not used on the iPhone Fold (it uses stainless steel for the hinge and aluminum for the body).

How do I pre-order the iPhone Fold?

Pre-orders for the iPhone Fold will open on Friday, September 11, 2026 (assuming a September 8 announcement), via:

• Apple.com and Apple Store app: The primary pre-order channel
• Apple Store pickup: By appointment only, with appointments opening at 5:00 AM Pacific on pre-order day
• Carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile): With new line or upgrade
• Authorized retailers (Best Buy, B&H Photo): Online at 5:00 AM Pacific, in-store pickup where available

Expect the first wave to sell out within 2-4 hours. Apple is producing 4-6 million units for the initial launch window, with broad availability not expected until Q4 2026. If you want launch-day delivery, be online at 5:00 AM Pacific on pre-order day.

Should I buy an iPhone Fold or wait for the iPhone Fold 2?

If you want a foldable iPhone, the iPhone Fold (1st gen) is the right buy if:

• You want the latest and greatest in 2026
• You can absorb the $1,999-$2,499 price tag
• You are comfortable with first-generation product risks
• You want the largest possible Apple display

Wait for the iPhone Fold 2 (expected 2027-2028) if:

• You want a lower price (analysts expect 10-15% price drop on the 2nd gen)
• You want a more refined hinge and better software ecosystem
• You can wait 12-18 months
• You want the Apple Pencil support rumored for the 2nd gen

For most buyers, the 1st gen is the right call. Apple has a strong track record of getting foldables right on the second attempt (cf. iPad, the Apple smartwatch). The iPhone Fold 1 will be very good, the iPhone Fold 2 will be excellent. If you can wait, wait. If you cannot, the iPhone Fold 1 will not disappoint.