Apple Readies iPhone 18 Pro and $2,000 Foldable as Split Launch Starts in 2026

Q: Is Apple's $2,000 foldable iPhone worth its compromises, like the rumored lack of Face ID?

Probably not for most buyers, but it could be for Apple loyalists who value the foldable form factor more than flagship-camera and biometric conveniences. At a rumored $2,000 to $2,500, Apple’s first foldable appears to ask buyers to accept meaningful trade-offs: no Face ID, likely replaced by side-mounted Touch ID; possibly no telephoto camera; and potential MagSafe limitations. Those are notable omissions on a device priced well above the expected $1,399 iPhone 18 Pro Max. As a first-generation product, it also carries the usual risk around durability, hinge longevity and resale value that has hurt other foldables. The case for it rests on whether Apple solves the problems that have kept foldables niche. Reports consistently point to a nearly crease-free 7.8-inch inner display, a refined book-style design, strong battery capacity, the new 2nm A20 Pro chip, and deep software integration with iOS 27 and Apple Intelligence. If Apple delivers a foldable that feels like a normal iPhone when closed and a small iPad when open, that would be a real advantage over rivals. Still, the value proposition is narrow. Consumer research around foldables shows price and durability remain the biggest barriers, and only a small minority are willing to spend above $2,000 on a phone. Without Face ID and a full Pro-level camera system, many buyers may see the device as a luxury experiment rather than the best iPhone. For most people, waiting for a second-generation model is the safer bet.

3 articles · Updated · MacRumors · Jul 21

Less than two months before Apple's expected unveiling, the most consistent iPhone 18 rumors center on Pro models and a first foldable, while the standard iPhone 18, 18e and Air 2 are tipped for spring 2027.
Top-ranked claims point to variable-aperture 48-megapixel main cameras, larger batteries and more RAM across the lineup, with the foldable described as a book-style device with 5.5-inch outer and 7.8-inch inner displays.
Pricing is expected to rise as memory and storage costs climb: analysts see the iPhone 18 Pro starting at $1,299, the Pro Max at $1,399, and the foldable above $2,000.
Apple-designed C2 modems are also widely expected in the foldable and some international Pro models, though Apple may still use Qualcomm chips in the U.S. if mmWave support is missing.
More speculative reports include a 35% smaller Dynamic Island, a nearly crease-free foldable display and an 'iPhone Ultra' name, while hole-punch cameras and broad SIM-tray removal look less likely.