A foldable iPhone could be thinner than 5mm when unfolded, but still slightly thicker than Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold 7, says a leaker with a mixed track record.
A leaker that goes by the account “Instant Digital” said in a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo that Apple’s first foldable device will measure at least 4.8mm when unfolded. In contrast, Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a thickness of 4.2mm when unfolded.
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously said the device would measure 4.5mm thick when unfolded. Whether it’s 4.5mm or 4.8mm, you’re unlikely to visually notice the difference in thickness between a foldable iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy Fold 7.
A foldable iPhone could be thinner than 5mm when unfolded
Another point of comparison, the latest iPad Pros are the thinnest Apple products, with the 11-inch model measuring 5.3 mm thick and the 13-incher just 5.1 mm.
Depending on who you ask, a foldable iPhone could either cost more than the latest Galaxy Z Fold 7 or be priced within an estimated $1800-$2000 range. Samsung prices its Galaxy Z Fold 7 at $1900 for the 256-gigabyte version, while the Galaxy Z Flip 7 starts at $1100 for the 256-gigabyte model. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold is $1800.
At any rate, the device will become Apple’s priciest phone; today’s flagship 1TB iPhone 16 Pro Max is priced at $1600. A foldable iPhone is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 lineup in the fall of 2026. Apple is currently testing manufacturing prototypes, with mass production kicking off in the second half of 2026.
Premium pricing should bring nice hardware features, like a crease-free experience thanks to a reliable stainless steel with a titanium alloy hinge. There should be a 5.5-inch screen and a selfie camera on the outside, when folded, in addition to a 7.8-inch inner screen, two rear cameras and Touch ID instead of Face ID.