Apple has long mastered the art of keeping fans waiting on edge, and the latest reports suggest the company is preparing to deliver a seismic shift in 2026. While whispers of the iPhone 17’s Liquid Glass update continue to divide opinion, many Apple loyalists are already setting their sights further ahead, saving their money for the rumored foldable iPhone 18 Fold.

For years, Apple has been accused of playing it safe compared to rivals like Samsung and Vivo, who launched foldable devices ahead of the curve. Now, with the brand preparing to celebrate the iPhone’s 20th anniversary in 2027, the stage appears set for Apple to leap into new territory. According to respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the foldable iPhone could debut in 2026, followed by an all-glass iPhone a year later.

A $2,000 Foldable Flagship?

If the leaks hold weight, the foldable iPhone could cost around $2,000, instantly making it one of the priciest iPhones in history. Reports suggest it will feature an ultra-thin body, dual rear cameras, and—most importantly—a foldable display with a crease so minimal it will hardly be noticeable. However, potential U.S. tariffs could influence the final retail price, adding uncertainty to the release.

Touch ID Makes a Comeback

One of the biggest talking points is the rumored return of Touch ID. Apple abandoned fingerprint technology in 2017 with the iPhone X, betting everything on Face ID. But Kuo believes the foldable model will revive Touch ID in a new way.

Instead of the often-speculated under-display ultrasonic sensor, Apple is expected to use a side-mounted Touch ID module supplied by Luxshare ICT. This approach is more practical for foldable designs, as it allows users to unlock the device whether folded or unfolded—similar to solutions seen in Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series.

While other brands like Vivo have experimented with under-display sensors, these have raised concerns about battery efficiency and long-term reliability. Apple, known for prioritizing stability over flashiness, appears more likely to adopt the proven side-button method.

Will Face ID Work on a Foldable iPhone?

Another question sparking debate is whether Apple’s Face ID can be integrated into a foldable design. Insiders suggest the challenge lies in the phone’s slim profile. Just as MacBook lids are too thin to house advanced facial recognition hardware, a foldable iPhone may struggle to fit the necessary components.

Additionally, a foldable iPhone would theoretically require dual Face ID sensors—one for the outer display and one for the inner panel. This would eat into internal space and battery capacity, a compromise Apple may be unwilling to make.

A Glimpse Into Apple’s Future

Beyond biometric security, patents suggest Apple has been experimenting with under-display sensors and even all-glass devices. The rumored timeline hints at a gradual roadmap: first, the foldable iPhone in 2026, and then an even sleeker, glass-bodied iPhone in 2027 to mark two decades of the iPhone’s evolution.

Until then, Apple fans will have plenty of time to speculate, dissect leaks, and debate whether the tech giant will truly deliver on expectations. But if history is any guide, Apple’s eventual reveal will dominate headlines and set new standards for the industry.

Bottom line

Apple’s foldable iPhone may still be two years away, but the leaks already suggest a device that could change how we think about smartphones. From Touch ID’s return to a nearly crease-free design, the iPhone 18 Fold might just be the most ambitious iPhone ever created.