Consumer electronics giant Apple (AAPL) is likely to introduce its first foldable iPhone by late 2026, predicts an analyst at investment firm TF International Securities.
Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at Hong Kong-based TF International, made the bold prediction and went into great detail about the foldable iPhone and its likely price. The analyst, who focuses on Apple’s supply chain, expects the foldable iPhone to have a book-style design, a 7.8-inch inner screen, and provide consumers with an “AI-driven” experience.
A foldable iPhone has been rumored for years. But, to date, Apple has made no public announcements about such a device. However, Kuo says that advancements and growing adoption of AI make a foldable iPhone by 2026 more likely.
Dreaming Big
The analyst adds that consumers may be able to use the foldable iPhone to chat with a virtual assistant while simultaneously viewing maps or processing documents on the smartphone. Kuo even goes so far as to theorize on the price of the theoretical iPhone, saying it will cost between $2,000 and $2,500.
Despite the high cost, Kuo believes that Apple’s strong brand loyalty and reputation for quality will attract customers and lead to high demand for such a device. Additionally, Kuo expects the foldable iPhone to include a side-mounted Touch ID sensor and feature a dual-lens rear camera.
The report on the foldable iPhone comes as Apple has announced several new products in recent weeks, including a cheaper MacBook Air laptop computer and a new iPhone 16E, which is the most affordable of the iPhone 16 family of smartphones. AAPL stock has risen 40% in the last 12 months.
Is AAPL Stock a Buy?
The stock of Apple has a consensus Moderate Buy rating among 33 Wall Street analysts. That rating is based on 18 Buy, 11 Hold, and four Sell recommendations assigned in the last three months. The average AAPL price target of $250.95 implies 6.68% upside from current levels.
