The development of Apple’s first foldable iPhone spanned nearly a decade, beginning with a 2014 visit by then-CEO Tim Cook to Asian markets. During these trips, he witnessed the rapid adoption of foldable smartphones from Samsung, Huawei, and other brands. Although Apple had already explored flexible displays and components before Samsung’s Galaxy Fold launched in 2019, Cook’s firsthand observations accelerated the project upon his return to the U.S.
Initial prototypes mimicked a foldable iPad mini, but Cook—whose background included finance and supply chain management, demanded an iPhone-sized form factor. The device, internally referred to as Project V68 (though some employees call it the iPhone Ultra), launched at a base price of $1,999. That figure has since increased to $2,199 for the standard model, with premium storage options potentially exceeding $3,000.
The final design combines a 7.8-inch external display with a 5.5-inch inner screen, aiming to balance productivity and portability. Engineers focused on reducing the visibility of the fold line while enhancing hinge durability, using a titanium-and-aluminum hinge alongside Corning’s flexible glass. However, the trade-offs included removing the telephoto camera and replacing Face ID with Touch ID, a notable departure from Apple’s usual biometric security standards.
Beyond hardware, Apple has revamped iOS and its app ecosystem to support dual-screen functionality. The next challenge falls to John Ternus, who recently took over as CEO. His role will be to prove the device’s practical appeal to consumers, especially given its positioning as a high-end, specialized product rather than a standard upgrade.
Internal company documents reveal early doubts about the project’s viability. Some engineers questioned whether the market demand justified the technical difficulties, particularly concerns about durability, an issue Samsung encountered with its early foldable models. The decision to advance likely stemmed from Cook’s observations of consumer trends and Apple’s tradition of entering markets only when it can lead with exclusive technology.
As the launch event approaches, attention turns to performance. Early hands-on accounts suggest the hinge performs better than Samsung’s initial designs, but long-term testing will reveal whether Apple’s foldable iPhone avoids past failures or becomes another risky bet in a competitive market.
Apple’s entry into the foldable phone category reflects its long-standing approach of entering markets only when it can dominate with proprietary solutions. The company’s ability to execute on this vision will determine whether the foldable iPhone becomes a defining product or another experiment in an evolving segment.
