New rival of Samsung and Huawei

Apple is expected to announce the first foldable iPhone Fold in 2026, at the same time as the iPhone 18 generation. Based on CAD drawings and leaked sources, “rumor experts” Ice Universe created an image to give viewers an idea of ​​Apple’s completely new phone model.

The design of the iPhone Fold is different from the current general trend of having a long and narrow external screen. The device is designed to be wide, when opened, it is equivalent to a 7.8-inch iPad mini. The external screen is 5.49 inches in size, much smaller than the 6.3 inches on rival products. Apple’s goal is to direct users to open their devices to use applications from the iPadOS ecosystem on the big screen.

According to expert Ming-chi Kuo, the iPhone Fold still has a faint fold in the middle. Despite efforts for many years, Apple has not been able to completely eliminate this drawback on folding phones. However, the machine will be equipped with the most advanced hinge system in the industry, which not only helps to fold completely but also increases durability compared to existing products on the market.

However, the iPhone Fold is said to still lose to folding smartphones from Samsung, Huawei or Honor in terms of weight and thickness. In addition to the Touch ID sensor located on the side of the device, Apple is likely to equip a hidden camera under the screen, although it may reduce image quality.

The latest forecast from the supply chain shows that the iPhone Fold has a very high price. Based on the cost of core components, such as the folding screen and complex hinge system, the device can be sold at 2,400 USD (58.5 million VND), on par with the 16-inch MacBook Pro and much higher than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold ($1,700), Google Pixel Fold ($1,800).

Apple’s participation in the folding phone segment, expected in 2026, is expected to create a boost in the context of the smartphone market showing signs of saturation and the user upgrade cycle being prolonged.

Meanwhile, according to ETNewsSamsung is also developing a folding phone model, temporarily called Wide Fold, with a significantly shorter and wider design than the current Galaxy Z Fold.

Galaxy Z Fold7 has a 6.5-inch external screen with 21:9 ratio and an 8-inch main screen. Meanwhile, Apple’s iPhone Fold has a ratio of nearly 4:3, creating a square feeling like a notebook. Wide Fold is expected to feature a 7.6-inch main screen and a 5.4-inch secondary screen similar to its competitors. Sources say Samsung plans to launch Wide Fold in fall 2026.