Apple’s iPhone Air design could give us iPhone Fold design hints

In his latest Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman has sketched out Apple’s foldable playbook and the picture is striking: think two ultra-thin iPhone Airs joined by a hinge.

The mooted iPhone Fold is described as a book-style device that chases the same wafer-thin feel as the Air, which was released on Friday (September 19) after months of rumours.

Gurman says to imagine “two titanium iPhone Airs side by side,” which suggests Apple’s recent slimming tactics, tighter component stacking and a rigid frame, are being treated as a rehearsal for a larger, creased canvas.

If Apple carries that engineering across, the Fold reads less like a science project and more like a familiar iPhone that simply opens up.

For a sense of where Apple’s current lineup sits before any foldable arrives, the best iPhone guide is a helpful overview, while the broader best phones roundup shows how rivals price and position their flagships.

Price and timing

On pricing, Gurman expects a starting point of at least $2,000, which aligns with earlier whispers in the $2,100 to $2,300 range. This isn’t too surprising, even though it will make Apple’s effort likely pricier than some of the best foldable phones from Samsung and Google.

As for timing, the report points to a reveal in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 line, with retail possibly drifting into October or November. That cadence fits how Apple has handled new form factors in the past.

Apple’s angle is clear: make the foldable feel like an iPhone first and a foldable second. The price will sting, but early adopters tend to pay for execution, not bargains.

Get the hinge right, keep the weight down, and make apps transition gracefully between folded and open states, and the Fold stops feeling like a party trick and starts looking inevitable.

Durability is also key, and Gurman claims the foldable will be built with the same titanium body that has so far proved durable for the iPhone Air.