Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone at an event that will begin on September 9th local time and in the early hours of September 10th in Japan. According to reports from overseas media, the name is expected to be iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra, and the plan does not end with the first generation, but is expected to continue with the second generation in 2027 and the third generation in 2028. If a new model is released three years in a row, your level of satisfaction will depend on whether you jump on the first generation or pass on it. We have estimated the differences between the three generations and estimated prices in Japan, and have organized the materials that can be used to make purchasing decisions.
Foldable iPhone will reach 3rd generation in 3 years
In conclusion, the foldable iPhone is likely to be a product that will be updated every year. The reported differences between the three generations are summarized in a table along with their accuracy.
| Appearance period | model | Main changes | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2026 | First generation (iPhone Fold/Ultra) | Approximately 5.3 inches outside, approximately 7.6 inches inside, Touch ID (fingerprint authentication) on power button | high just before announcement |
| 2027 | 2nd generation | New chip. Testing is said to be already underway | medium |
| 2028 | 3rd generation | Slightly enlarged outer and inner screens | low |
Accuracy is based on this magazine’s estimate, and screen size also varies depending on the report.
As far as reports go, the changes over the three years are limited to screen size and chips. It looks like they are proceeding with a completed design every year, rather than recreating the casing.
The folding mechanism has many parts, and every time the dimensions are changed, durability tests must be repeated. The company’s decision to carry out annual updates without making any major changes to the format suggests a decision that emphasizes the stability of mass production.
Those who buy foldable iPhones and those who wait
The answer to whether you should buy the first generation or wait depends on what you value. If screen space is your top priority, wait, and if folding is worth it, go with the first generation.
- People who are likely to be satisfied with the purchase: spend a lot of time using it with one hand when closed / want to combine two devices into one / want to be the first to try the new generation
- People who should wait: Want to work on an open screen for a long time / Want to buy after the price drops / Assuming you can trade it in after about 2 years
Is the first generation a prototype?
The information that the screen will be wider in the third generation suggests that the size of the first generation is not the final size. However, the hinges and creases are said to have been created in the first generation, and if there had been any concerns about their completeness, the second generation would not have come out in such detail the following year.
The outside is about 5.3 inches, smaller than the current iPhone, and the closed body is not expected to be as large as the Pro Max. On the other hand, since the two screens overlap, the thickness increases. I would like to touch the actual machine at the store and check it out.
In 2027, the Pro will also be renewed and the replacement period will overlap.
What makes the decision even more difficult is that the folding and Pro updates will overlap in 2027. Overseas media reports that the 2027 Pro series will have a shape with curved glass surrounding the four corners and sides, making it the biggest innovation since the iPhone X.
In other words, in 2027, both the folding and Pro models will be considered good buys. If you have the budget for one machine, you can still use the current machine this year in preparation for next year.
Calculate the price of foldable iPhone by exchange rate
The original model, also known as the iPhone Ultra, is said to cost more than $2,000, and could reportedly reach up to $2,500. Since the actual selling price in Japan depends on the exchange rate, we simply converted it using three different methods.
| us price | 140 yen | 150 yen | 160 yen |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | 280,000 yen | 300,000 yen | 320,000 yen |
| $2,500 | 350,000 yen | 375,000 yen | 400,000 yen |
Prices shown in the US do not include sales tax, and prices in Japan include tax. Apple does not directly reflect exchange rates, and the figures in the table are only a guide. Still, it is realistic to think of it as a range of 280,000 yen to 400,000 yen, with the center being in the 300,000 yen range.
In this price range, your carrier’s device purchase program, which waives the residual value if you return the device, becomes an option. However, the more successor models are released every year, the harder it will be to read the residual value when returned after about two years. There is no precedent for a foldable iPhone in Japan, and it is difficult to estimate the market price.
There are only a limited number of situations where you can open it and use it on commuter trains, and you will likely spend a lot of time operating it with one hand while it is closed. Satisfaction is determined by whether daily operations can be completed using only the outer screen.
3 points to check on the day of the announcement
We are finally starting to see the outline of our price range predictions. On the day of the announcement, please pay attention to the following three points.
- Practicality of the outer screen: Can you reply and make payments with the screen closed?
- How the crease looks: difference between when viewed from the front and when viewed from an angle
- Price and release date in Japan: What day will reservations start?
If the plan for three generations in three years is true, there will be less reason to rush to the first generation. First of all, why not check out the completeness of the outer screen with your own eyes at the announcement in the early hours of September 10th (Japan time)?
Photo:9to5Mac
Source: iPhone Mania
