New foldable iPhone to retail at Sh260,000

New foldable iPhone to retail at Sh260,000

The highly anticipated device is expected to redefine the premium phone market, with a retail price of between Sh 260,000 and Sh325,000 ($2,000–$2,500).

Apple is developing a foldable premium iPhone that may launch in 2026, making a major shift in its smartphone lineup.

The highly anticipated device is expected to redefine the premium phone market, with a retail price of between Sh 260,000 and Sh325,000 ($2,000–$2,500).

According to industry reports, Apple’s foldable iPhone will have an inbuilt AI-driven functionality and seamless cross-app integration, making it one of the most advanced devices on the market.

The larger 7.8-inch crease-free inner display and the 5.5-inch outer display will enhance multitasking, allowing users to interact with AI Chatbots while simultaneously navigating apps like maps or emails.

Foldable iPhones are something its rival, Samsung is known for.

According to whistleblower and market analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the first-generation foldable iPhone is set to feature a book-style design, constructed with a stainless steel and titanium alloy hinge and a titanium alloy casing, ensuring durability.

Some of the other key specifications include:

Touch ID on the side button

Unlike other recent iPhones, Face ID may not be included due to the phone’s thickness and internal space may be limited.

Dual-lens rear camera and a front-facing camera

The cameras will be accessible in both folded and unfolded states for flexible photography.

Ultra-thin design:

The phone will be 9–9.5mm thick when folded and 4.5–4.8mm when unfolded.

He also said that it will have the same high-density battery cells as the upcoming iPhone 17 which will be released later in the year.

Development timeline

Apple plans to finalize the foldable iPhone’s specifications by the second quarter of 2025, with mass production scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026.

The second-generation model is expected to begin mass production in the second half of 2027.

Due to the complexity of manufacturing the foldable device, only 3–5 million units are expected to ship in 2026.

However, with the introduction of the second-generation model, total shipments could reach 20 million units by 2027.

Apple’s Strategy: A Luxury Device with Strong Replacement Demand

Despite its premium price point, the foldable iPhone is expected to appeal to Apple’s loyal customer base, particularly those who see the iPhone as a must-have luxury device.

Apple is betting on strong replacement demand from existing iPhone users who are eager to embrace the foldable trend while maintaining Apple’s signature ecosystem of seamless hardware and software integration.

With AI at the core of its user experience, Apple’s foldable iPhone could set new standards for the smartphone industry, challenging competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold and Huawei’s Mate X series.

As the world waits for Apple’s official announcement, the tech industry is already speculating whether this foldable iPhone will redefine mobile computing or remain a niche luxury gadget for early adopters.

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