Is Apple preparing the first foldable iPhone at a price exceeding 7,340 dirhams?

Indications are increasing that Apple is preparing to enter the foldable phone market for the first time, through a device referred to in leaks as the “iPhone Fold,” or perhaps the “iPhone Ultra,” in a move that may represent one of the biggest shifts in iPhone design in years.

According to a report published by the technical news website “CNET”, the expected phone may appear in 2026, most likely coinciding with the unveiling of the “iPhone 18” series of phones, with expectations that its price will exceed the $2,000 barrier (about 7,340 dirhams), which puts it in a higher category than the current “Pro Max” models, and makes it closer to an ultra-luxury product within the “Apple” system.

Design opens like a book
The leaks, according to what the site mentioned, do not talk about a small clamshell phone similar to some “Galaxy Z Flip” devices, but rather about a foldable design that opens like a book, which makes it closer to devices such as the “Galaxy Z Fold” and “Google Pixel Fold.” The goal of this trend is for the device to combine the size of the phone when closed, with a larger screen experience when opened.
Circulating expectations indicate that the device may come with an external screen of approximately 5.5 inches, and an internal screen of approximately 7.8 inches when opened, with a slim design and a more durable hinge, and a clear attempt to reduce the effect of folding in the middle of the screen, which is one of the most common problems that this category of phones has faced since its inception.

Why are you waiting for Apple?
Several companies entered the foldable phone market years ago, led by Samsung, but Apple has remained outside this category until now. This delay is consistent with the company’s way of dealing with new technologies. It does not usually enter the specifications race early, but rather waits for the experience to mature before presenting it to its audience.
In the case of the foldable iPhone, the challenge is not limited to the screen alone. The device needs a hinge that can withstand daily use, software that moves smoothly between the external and internal screen, an appropriate battery, and a design that does not sacrifice thinness, cameras, or comfort in the hand. Therefore, the success of the phone will not be measured merely by being foldable, but rather by its ability to make folding a natural part of the iPhone experience.

Price in the ultra-luxury category
Most expectations revolve around a price starting at about $2,000 (about 7,340 dirhams), with other estimates placing it in a range between $2,000 and 2,500 (about 7,340 dirhams – 9,180 UAE dirhams). If these numbers are achieved, the device will likely be the most expensive iPhone offered by the company, and will initially be directed to users who are most willing to pay a high cost for a new design and a different experience.
This expected price is related to the nature of the components used in foldable phones, especially the flexible screen, hinge, and internal protection mechanisms. Also, the first generation of any new Apple category often carries a higher cost, before the category later expands and becomes more widespread.

Name not decided yet
The name of the device is still within the circle of expectations. The name “iPhone Fold” is the most commonly used because it directly describes the nature of the phone, but some reports raise the possibility that “Apple” may choose a name like “iPhone Ultra,” especially if it wants to place it in a higher position than the “Pro Max,” not just as a folded version, but as a new category within the “iPhone” family.
This choice will be important marketingly. The word “Fold” links the device to folding technology, while the name “Ultra” gives it a wider space to present it as a luxury product that combines a larger screen, a special design, higher specifications, and a higher price.

Entry may change the market
If the foldable iPhone arrives in 2026, Apple’s entry into this category will not be an ordinary event, as the company is entering a market that was preceded by major competitors, but it has a user base capable of moving foldable phones from the range of specialized products to a broader stage of public interest.
As for the smart phone market, this may mean the beginning of a new phase of competition, as Apple’s success in providing a stable and smooth folding experience may push other companies to raise the standards of design, durability, and software. However, if the device appears to be high in price or of limited benefit, it may remain in its first years a product for the technical elite rather than a broad alternative to traditional “iPhone” phones.
In any case, talk about the foldable iPhone is no longer just a passing leak. The proliferation of details about the launch date, price, screens, and design indicates that the idea is closer to the seriousness stage, but the real test will begin when Apple unveils the device and answers the most important question: Does an iPhone user really need a phone that opens like a book?