Apple’s Foldable iPhone and iPhone 17 Air: A Glimpse into the Future

Apple is gearing up for a major leap in smartphone innovation with two highly anticipated devices—the first foldable iPhone and the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air. According to recent leaks, Apple has entered the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase at Foxconn for two foldable devices—a foldable iPhone and a foldable iPad. Analyst Jeff Pu reports that production for these foldable devices will begin in the second half of 2026, potentially leading to a launch in late 2026 or early 2027.

Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously stated that Apple is finalizing the foldable iPhone’s specifications by mid-2025, but mass production may not start until late 2026. The device is expected to feature a 7.8-inch inner foldable screen and a 5.5-inch outer cover screen, adopting a book-style design similar to the Galaxy Z Fold. Notably, it may ditch Face ID in favor of a Touch ID side button to maximize internal space. Apple is likely to position it as a true AI-driven phone, with an expected price exceeding $2,000, possibly reaching $2,500.

Meanwhile, Apple is also set to introduce its thinnest iPhone yet—the iPhone 17 Air. Leaked images suggest that this variant will be just 5.5mm thick, making it significantly slimmer than any previous iPhone, including the iPhone 6 (6.9mm). The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a 6.6-inch 120Hz ProMotion display, placing it between the iPhone 16 Pro (6.3-inch) and iPhone 16 Pro Max (6.9-inch). The device will be powered by the A19 chipset and will likely have a single rear camera, aligning it with Apple’s entry-level models.

Despite its ultra-thin design, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to retain premium features, including Dynamic Island, slim bezels, and a Camera Control button. Reports suggest that Apple initially considered a 6.9-inch display but scrapped the idea due to structural integrity concerns.

Pricing for the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be around $900, comparable to the iPhone 16 Plus. If successful, this model could influence future Apple designs, potentially leading to a port-free iPhone or a foldable device by 2026.

Source: Moneycontrol