According to 9to5Mac, Apple’s long-rumoured foldable iPhone could arrive with a premium price tag as part of the iPhone 18 lineup. Reports suggest that the device may feature a unique frame made from a combination of titanium and aluminium, offering both strength and lightweight durability.
According to analyst Jeff Pu, Apple is planning to use this hybrid metal structure to balance durability and portability. The iPhone 18 Fold is expected to take advantage of titanium’s stiffness in key structural areas while using aluminium in other parts to keep the overall weight manageable.
This approach could also help Apple maintain a slim profile for the foldable device.
Design and material direction
Moreover, Jeff Pu’s note to investors indicated that Apple aims to expand the use of titanium beyond its current models. Both the upcoming iPhone 18 Fold and the rumoured iPhone Air may feature titanium elements in their frames.
Previous reports from Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that Apple was exploring a mix of stainless steel and titanium for the hinge components, but Pu’s latest information points toward a titanium and aluminium hybrid instead.
Additionally, this design shift suggests that Apple is focusing on improving the balance between strength and flexibility. The use of a titanium-aluminium mix may reduce overall device weight while maintaining rigidity, which is important for a foldable device that will likely undergo repeated folding cycles.
Display, form factor, and features
Furthermore, rumours indicate that the iPhone 18 Fold could include a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner display when unfolded. The device is also said to measure around 4.5 mm when opened flat, making the frame’s material strength even more critical.
In addition, the foldable iPhone may replace Face ID with an under-display Touch ID system, allowing a cleaner screen design and improved usability in different orientations. It is also expected to run on iOS 27, which will reportedly include new features designed specifically for foldable screens.
Release window and pricing
The iPhone 18 Fold is expected to launch alongside the rest of the iPhone 18 series in September 2026. Early estimates suggest that the phone could be priced at around USD 1999, which is approximately RM9900.
Given the complexity of foldable display manufacturing and Apple’s premium market positioning, this pricing seems reasonable for its category.
iPhone 18 Fold: Rumoured tech specs and features
- Outer display: approximately 5.5-inches
- Inner display: approximately 7.8-inches when unfolded
- Unfolded thickness: around 4.5 mm
- Frame material: hybrid titanium and aluminium
- Biometric system: under-display Touch ID
- Software: iOS 27 with foldable-specific features
- Launch window: September 2026
- Estimated price: RM9900 (~USD2349)
Before you get too excited about Apple’s next big leap, what do you think about the idea of combining titanium and aluminium for a foldable iPhone? Could this be the perfect balance of durability and portability for users in Malaysia?
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