Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone in September 2026. This will mark its entry into the foldable smartphone segment and offer new opportunities for UAE buyers seeking premium innovation.
The dual-screen foldable design is predicted to be a bold step by Apple. It is also expected to revolutionize the foldable smartphone market, which is currently dominated by Samsung.
Apple's foldable iPhone remains on track for a September 2026 announcement alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
This confirmation comes after Nikkei Asia reported engineering setbacks that could delay shipments, but Gurman maintains the project timeline hasn't changed, though initial supply will be limited.
According to Barclays analyst Tim Long, Apple may use a staggered rollout strategy similar to the iPhone X launch. The foldable could be announced in September but shipped in December 2026.
According to leaks, the iPhone 18 Pro will feature a 6.3-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. The smartphone is expected to be powered by Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro chipset.
iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to have a 6.9-inch OLED display with the same 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness. The battery size is rumored to be slightly smaller than the Pro Max model. Early reports also suggest that the Pro Max may feature a larger display, a smaller Dynamic Island, and partial under-screen Face ID. This will be an immersive viewing experience for gaming, video, and productivity.
iPhone 18 Pro series is expected to integrate 12GB of RAM, with storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB.
With the foldables' estimated $2,000+ price tag, likely AED 8,000+ locally, this could become the most expensive iPhone launch in UAE history.
The September 2026 announcement seems certain, but UAE availability may slip to December, in line with global markets. Pre-orders through du, Etisalat, and Apple Premium Resellers like Jumbo Electronics will likely open immediately after the announcement, though initial allocation may be limited.
Buzz is strong that Chinese factories will provide production support to Apple, contrary to previous claims that highlighted the use of Indian workplaces to facilitate upcoming manufacturing. Meanwhile, Apple has significantly expanded production unit facilities in India over the past couple of years.
The 4:3 ratio suggests Apple wants this to replace tablets for some users, not just compete with traditional phones. In practice, this could mean better multitasking for productivity apps popular among Dubai's business crowd.
Apple fans are eagerly waiting for next Autumn, when the foldable iPhone, alongside other iPhone 18 series models, is expected to launch.