The anticipation around a foldable iPhone continues to grow, with speculation suggesting a possible release as early as next year. In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, industry analyst Mark Gurman provided insights into the device’s potential design, describing it as resembling two iPhone Airs combined.
This design would imply that the foldable unit will be relatively slim, although it may exceed the thickness of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold (10.8mm) and Galaxy Z Fold7 (8.9mm), with the iPhone Air measuring at 5.6mm. Notably, Ming-Chi Kuo’s sources indicate that the device could be even thinner when opened, potentially as low as 4.5mm. However, Gurman anticipates a high price point for the foldable iPhone, likely starting at $2,000 or more, surpassing the cost of the Pixel Fold.
A key advantage of drawing from the iPhone Air’s design is enhancing durability. Despite significant advancements in foldable technology, concerns about their robustness remain. Gurman notes that the new foldable iPhone will incorporate titanium, similar to the Air model, which has demonstrated commendable strength according to tests by JerryRigsEverything and iFixIt.
Furthermore, iFixIt awarded the iPhone Air a respectable repairability score of seven. If the upcoming foldable iPhone could achieve a similar rating, it would mark a significant improvement in user-friendliness. In comparison, the Pixel Fold and Galaxy Z Fold7 have received low repairability scores of just three, underscoring the challenges faced when attempting to repair these more delicate devices.
