For years, there have been whispers in the tech world about how Apple finally intends to take that step into foldable devices. It appears those rumors are now coming true.
Reports of an iPhone 17 Air indicate the Cupertino titan is working behind the scenes to make the next big breakthrough in smartphone and tablet design.
Apple Foldable iPhone: Here’s All You Know Until Now
iPhone 17 Air Could Land as Official Model in the
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Apple has been a silent spectator while making foldable plans, and the recent leak gave us some ideas about their ambitions. Reports from Ming-Chi Kuo, Mark Gurman, and other known insiders say the foldable iPhone could launch as soon as 2026.
Kuo states that this device will closely resemble the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold as far as design goes. It can fold vertically while giving space for having an expansive, yet compactly fitted screen.
The foldable iPhone is expected to be built on the iPhone 17 Air, an ultra-thin device that Apple will launch alongside the foldable. The iPhone 17 Air will measure only 5.5mm at its thinnest point, paving the way for the slim profile needed in future foldable designs.
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Key Technologies for the Foldable iPhone
Kuo and Gurman have further indicated that the iPhone 17 Air will be used as a test bed for crucial technologies that Apple will later integrate into its foldables.
Some of these technologies include the new Apple 5G modem, which is expected to make its debut on the iPhone SE 4 and eventually be integrated into the iPhone 17 Air.
Other vital parts required in the foldable iPhone are ultra-thin batteries, compact camera modules, and specialized OLED displays, per BGR. These must all be reduced in size so as to match the design specifications of a foldable phone.
The history of Apple’s thin devices, such as the 5.1mm M4 iPad Pro, has given lessons that can be transferred to the foldable iPhone. However, making a foldable iPhone will pose specific challenges, mainly on structural integrity and high-end performance.
The eSIM-Only iPhone 17 Air
One of the most talked-about features of the iPhone 17 Air and foldable iPhone is the move towards eSIM-only functionality. While eSIM has already been integrated into some models, the iPhone 17 Air and future foldables are expected to eliminate physical SIM cards altogether.
While this will make the devices slimmer and more efficient, it may pose challenges in markets like China, where eSIM adoption has been slower.
Despite this, eSIM-only devices seem to be the future, and Apple is at the forefront. This will likely become the norm in future mobile technology, although some regions may take a little longer to catch up.
Apple Roadmap: From iPhone 17 Air to Foldable iPhones
As per Kuo and Gurman, the iPhone 17 Air will be the starting point for Apple’s bigger foldable device plans. By getting the technology right and learning how to make such ultra-thin devices, Apple will be all set to introduce a foldable iPhone by 2026.
The time is in line with the growing demand for foldable smartphones, and Apple’s entry into the market will really scramble the competition.
For now, though, much of the foldable iPhone’s inner structure and features remain speculative. And as we close in on 2026, expect even more leaks and official announcements from Apple as it continues to fine-tune its foldable strategy.
Speaking of the iPhone 17 Air, Tech Times reported last month that it’s rumored to be available at $899. However, there might be features deducted from Pro models.
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