Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone is getting closer to reality, but a new leak suggests that owning one could require a seriously large budget.
According to the latest leak, Apple’s first foldable iPhone could cost around $2,300 in the US, while the rumored Indian price is an eye-watering ₹2,80,000, or roughly $2,900.
That would make Apple’s first foldable one of the company’s most expensive iPhones ever. More importantly, the leaked specifications suggest Apple is taking a very different approach to the foldable-phone formula.
Apple has not officially confirmed the device, its specifications, or its pricing. The company is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone at its September 9 event, where it is also expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
A 7.8-inch foldable display with a 4:3 design
The rumored foldable iPhone is expected to use a book-style design.
The latest leak claims the phone will feature a 7.8-inch internal display when unfolded and a 5.5-inch external display when closed.
The inner screen is reportedly designed around a 4:3 aspect ratio, giving the device a more tablet-like appearance when opened. That could make it particularly useful for multitasking, browsing, gaming and watching videos.
These display sizes have been mentioned repeatedly in previous reports, making them among the more consistent details surrounding Apple’s foldable project.
Apple could bring back Touch ID
One of the biggest changes could be hiding on the side of the phone.
The foldable iPhone is rumored to skip Face ID entirely and instead use Touch ID integrated into the side button.
That decision reportedly comes down to Apple’s aggressive thickness targets. With the phone rumored to be only around 4.5mm thick when unfolded, Apple may not have enough internal space for the Face ID hardware used on conventional iPhones.
Touch ID in the side button would also allow Apple to maintain biometric authentication without adding more components to the already crowded foldable chassis. Previous reports have similarly pointed toward a Touch ID side button.
The foldable iPhone could be incredibly thin
Thickness appears to be one of Apple’s biggest priorities.
The leaked specifications claim the phone could measure approximately 4.5mm when open and around 9.5mm when folded.
That would make it exceptionally thin for a foldable smartphone.
Apple is also reportedly working on a Liquid Metal hinge, paired with a premium titanium-and-aluminum construction. Earlier reports have also pointed toward titanium being used extensively in the chassis and a specialized hinge designed to reduce the visible crease.
The combination of a thin body, large foldable display and sophisticated hinge is likely to be one of the biggest reasons for the phone’s rumored price.
Dual 48MP cameras, but no telephoto
Interestingly, Apple may not equip its most expensive iPhone with a triple-camera system.
The leaked specifications point to:
- 48MP main camera
- 48MP ultra-wide camera
- No dedicated telephoto camera
That would be a notable compromise for a device potentially costing more than $2,000.
Apple could instead rely on computational photography and high-resolution sensors to provide additional cropping and zoom capabilities.
The omission of a telephoto lens would also free up valuable internal space in a device where every millimeter matters.
A20 chip and 12GB RAM
Performance should be another major selling point.
The foldable iPhone is rumored to use Apple’s next-generation A20 chip, reportedly manufactured using a 2nm process, alongside 12GB of RAM.
That would give the device plenty of headroom for demanding applications, multitasking and Apple’s growing AI features.
The phone is also expected to run iOS 27, with Apple reportedly developing software optimizations specifically for the foldable form factor. Current reports also point toward 12GB of RAM and storage configurations potentially reaching 1TB.
Apple’s C2 modem could make its debut
The leaked specifications also mention Apple’s C2 modem.
Apple has been steadily reducing its dependence on Qualcomm by developing its own cellular modems. The company introduced its first custom modem technology in the iPhone 16e and has continued expanding its modem ambitions.
Reports already suggest that the foldable iPhone could use the second-generation C2 modem, making the device another important step in Apple’s move toward more internally developed connectivity hardware.
Space Gray and Black could be the launch colors
The first foldable iPhone may also launch with a relatively restrained color selection.
The latest leak points to Space Gray and Black as possible options.
That would fit Apple’s strategy of positioning the device as a premium, professional-looking product rather than a fashion-focused foldable.
Of course, color availability could change before launch.
The ₹2.8 lakh India price is the real shocker
The biggest talking point from this leak is arguably the Indian pricing.
A rumored ₹2,80,000 price would put Apple’s foldable in an entirely different category from conventional flagship smartphones in India.
For comparison, the leaked US pricing being discussed is around $2,300, although other reports have put the expected starting price closer to $2,000–$2,500. Some earlier analyst estimates had suggested around $2,299, so a $2,300 price isn’t completely out of line with previous rumors.
However, the Indian figure should be viewed particularly cautiously because Apple’s final Indian pricing can be affected by taxes, duties, exchange rates and Apple’s regional pricing strategy.
Apple is entering the foldable market at the very top
If these leaks are accurate, Apple isn’t trying to compete with foldables by making the cheapest or most accessible device.
Instead, the company appears to be targeting the ultra-premium segment.
A 7.8-inch display, ultra-thin body, custom hinge, titanium construction, A20 chip, 12GB RAM and Apple’s software ecosystem could give the device plenty of justification for its premium positioning.
But the lack of Face ID and a telephoto camera shows that Apple may still have to make compromises to achieve its ambitious design.
The bigger question is whether Apple’s ecosystem and foldable software experience will be enough to convince iPhone users to pay potentially $2,300 or ₹2.8 lakh for a first-generation foldable.
Apple’s foldable iPhone could be a $2,300 gamble
The rumored specifications certainly make the device sound impressive, but the price could ultimately determine whether Apple’s first foldable becomes a mainstream success or remains a luxury product for enthusiasts.
With Apple’s expected September 9 launch event now approaching, we may not have to wait much longer to find out how much of these leaks are accurate.
For now, the $2,300 US price and ₹2.8 lakh India price remain unconfirmed rumors. But considering how consistently the 7.8-inch display, 5.5-inch outer screen, Touch ID and ultra-thin design have appeared in previous reports, Apple’s first foldable is looking increasingly real.
