iPhone Fold (aka iPhone 18 Fold) is tipped for 2026 with a titanium-aluminum hybrid frame for rigidity, low weight and cooling, aiming at a $1,999 price.
© A. Krivonosov
Apple is laying the groundwork for its first foldable smartphone, which, according to insiders, could arrive in late 2026 under the name iPhone Fold or iPhone 18 Fold. A recent report from analyst Jeff Pu highlighted a key design detail: instead of relying on a single material like titanium or aluminum, the company plans to use a hybrid frame that combines both metals.
The idea is to merge the best attributes of each: titanium for rigidity and resistance to bending, aluminum for better heat dissipation and lower weight. That choice seems especially apt for a foldable form factor, where each half of the body needs to be as thin as possible so the device doesn’t feel bulky when closed. Rumors point to each section coming in at around 5.6 mm—close to the recently released iPhone Air.
Previous Apple models have featured a range of frames, from aluminum to steel to titanium. Shifting to a combined construction would mark a first. Manufacturing will be more complex and more expensive, but with an expected price of around $1,999, the company can justify that level of engineering ambition.
As a result, the iPhone Fold may not simply resemble two Air units joined together, as some analysts had suggested earlier, but rather a device with a distinctive build that balances strength, lightness, and efficient cooling. The message this sends is hard to miss: Apple appears ready to accept added complexity to set a new benchmark in the foldable category.