Core Insights - Apple has officially launched the iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air, with detailed evaluations provided by industry analysts [1] - The iPhone Air emphasizes design but compromises on certain features, while the upcoming foldable iPhone is expected to enhance this design focus [2][3] Product Development - The foldable iPhone is anticipated to resemble "two iPhone Airs side by side," offering a thin overall appearance [4][6] - The expected price for the foldable iPhone is around $2000, making it more expensive than competitors like the Pixel Fold [7] - The iPhone Air has a thickness of 5.6 mm, suggesting that a foldable version could exceed 11 mm even with perfect alignment [10][11] - Apple is expected to utilize in-cell flexible OLED technology for the foldable iPhone, which could reduce thickness and improve design [14][15][16] Technical Specifications - The foldable iPhone is rumored to feature a 5.5-inch outer screen and a 7.8-inch inner screen, along with four cameras (two front and two rear) [19][20] - It will likely adopt eSIM technology and utilize Apple's custom C2 baseband and N1 communication chips [21] - The design will incorporate a titanium alloy frame and a hinge made from stainless steel and titanium alloy composites [24][26] Production Timeline - Apple has entered the initial prototype phase for the foldable iPhone, with expectations for completion of major prototype testing by the end of the year [32][33] - The engineering validation test (EVT) phase will be handled by major manufacturing partners, preparing for mass production [34] - The foldable iPhone is projected to launch in the second half of 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series [35][36] Market Strategy - Apple may adjust its iPhone release schedule, potentially delaying the standard iPhone 18 to spring 2027 to focus on the foldable model [36][38] - The recently launched iPhone 17 standard version has received many Pro features, positioning it as a strong contender in the market [37]