Apple’s Foldable iPhone Poised to Outshine iPhone 17 Air as Thinnest Model Yet

Tech
By 24matins.uk,  published 17 July 2025 at 15h10, updated on 17 July 2025 at 15h10.
Tech

Apple is reportedly developing a foldable iPhone expected to outdo even the anticipated iPhone 17 Air in terms of thinness. Sources suggest this new device could become the slimmest model in Apple’s lineup, marking a significant design milestone.

Tl;dr

  • Apple’s foldable iPhone may beat rivals in thinness.
  • Possible price under $2,000, just below Samsung’s model.
  • No visible crease thanks to Apple-Samsung collaboration.

    • Apple and Samsung: The Race for the Thinnest Foldable

    As the smartphone market evolves, the contest for the world’s thinnest device is heating up between two major players: Apple and Samsung. While rumors previously centered on the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, attention has rapidly shifted to another contender—the anticipated iPhone Fold. According to leaks from Instant Digital, this new foldable could set a record with its mere 4.8 mm thickness when unfolded. To put things in perspective, that would even undercut the projected 5.65 mm profile of Apple’s own ultra-slim Air model.

    The Competitive Landscape: Samsung Sets a High Bar

    Yet, any discussion about ultra-thin foldables must consider Samsung, which continues to drive innovation with its established series. The recently introduced Galaxy Z Fold 7, already boasting an impressively slender 4.2 mm profile when open, leaves little room for further reductions. Seven generations in, Samsung’s engineering prowess is clear—but so are the technical constraints. Should Apple succeed with its rumored design, it would mark the company’s bold entry into a field long dominated by Asian manufacturers.

    Pushing Boundaries: Pricing Strategy and Regional Focus

    Beyond hardware feats, there’s also keen interest in pricing strategy—especially as foldables gain momentum in Asia. Market whispers suggest that Apple aims to position its device just below a psychological threshold: under $2,000. Most analysts anticipate a retail window between $1,800 and $2,000. In effect, this would place Apple’s new entrant just beneath its primary rival from Samsung—a calculated move to entice consumers in regions where foldables are swiftly becoming mainstream.

    For those tracking the next big leap in mobile tech, several notable features have emerged from early leaks:

  • No visible crease on the main display.
  • Joint development between Apple and Samsung on display technology.
  • Expected release as soon as next year.

    • A Closer Look: Persistent Rumors and Strategic Partnerships

    Speculation has intensified recently around Apple’s diversification efforts. If reports of a nearly seamless folding screen—made possible by a collaboration with Samsung—prove accurate, this could offer a genuine differentiator in an increasingly crowded segment. Of course, many details remain unconfirmed; anticipation continues to build as insiders predict further disclosures over the coming months.

    While innovation often comes down to fractions of millimeters or a few hundred dollars, it is clear that the next chapter in foldable smartphones will be shaped by ambition—and perhaps by unlikely partnerships at the cutting edge of display technology.