Apple may have just unveiled its slimmest phone, the iPhone Air, but attention is already shifting toward its next innovation. Industry reports suggest the company is preparing to launch its first-ever foldable iPhone, widely known as the iPhone ‘Fold,’ in 2026.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed the device could measure only 4.5mm to 4.8mm when unfolded. This would make the iPhone ‘Fold’ about one millimetre slimmer than the 5.6mm-thick iPhone Air, which Apple currently markets as its thinnest device.
Experts note that trimming nearly 20 percent of thickness in an already ultra-slim phone is a major step in smartphone design.
Design close to current Pro models
When folded, the iPhone ‘Fold’ is expected to measure 9–9.5mm thick, a size comparable to today’s iPhone 17 Pro, which is 8.75mm. This means users could carry a device similar in feel to current premium models but enjoy a surprisingly thin screen when unfolded.
Apple enters the foldable race
The iPhone ‘Fold’ would mark Apple’s formal entry into the foldable smartphone segment, currently dominated by rivals like Samsung and Huawei. Analysts believe Apple’s strength in design, software, and ecosystem support could set a new benchmark for foldables if the device launches as expected in autumn 2026.
Pakistan’s pricing challenge
While global fans are focused on the design leap, in Pakistan the debate is more about price and access. At present, non-PTA approved iPhone 17 Air units are selling in grey markets for up to Rs396,000. Officially approved devices start at Rs210,000, depending on registration type.
If the iPhone ‘Fold’ enters Pakistan after its global debut, it may face the same challenges. The device could attract huge excitement but also concern over affordability, reflecting the ongoing struggle of consumers to balance innovation with high costs.
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