New leaks and teardown data suggest Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone might look like two iPhone Airs hinged together—mirroring many design elements of the recently released ultra-thin Air model. The foldable device is expected to carry a high price tag, with some estimates placing it north of $2,000.
What the Rumors and Teardowns Reveal
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According to insiders familiar with internal design work and display supply, Apple is collaborating with Samsung Display on a flexible screen for the foldable model. The display is thought to fold like a book, opening up to a panel that resembles the size and proportions of two slim iPhone Airs side by side.
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Some design cues from the Air seem to carry over. Material choices like a titanium frame and slim bezels are likely to feature, aiming for durability despite the foldable form factor. The Air’s camera-plateau design and thin profile are considered benchmarks for what the foldable may follow or improve upon.
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iFixit’s teardown of the standard iPhone Air revealed several engineering decisions that could influence the foldable’s design. For example, the logic board is partially shifted into the camera bump (the “camera plateau”), helping the central body stay thinner. Internal adaptations like modular components, easier battery removal, and minimized adhesive usage were also noted, suggesting Apple is trying to balance sleekness with repairability.
Trade-offs and Expectations
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Given the double-panel foldable form, the device is expected to be thicker when folded than the iPhone Air. Unfolded, it may approach a slim profile, which could make it competitive with some existing foldables. But the fold and hinge mechanism will likely add bulk.
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Durability is one of the biggest questions. Foldable screens tend to be more vulnerable over time. If Apple maintains repairability levels similar to the Air (which scored well in teardown reports), that would be a strong differentiator.
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Pricing may be steep. With display costs, hinge mechanisms, and premium materials, analysts believe the foldable iPhone will be positioned in the high-end bracket. Early leak estimates put it well over $2,000, which would place it among the most expensive consumer phones on the market.
