Apple's Foldable Future: Is the iPhone Air a Precursor?

The iPhone Air's release last fall, characterized by its slim 5.6mm thickness and 165-gram weight, is now seen as a potential stepping stone toward Apple's entry into the foldable phone market. Analysts suggest the Air demonstrated Apple's capability to produce thinner iPhones and established a design pathway for future foldable devices.

A foldable iPhone, speculated to be named the iPhone Ultra, is anticipated to launch at Apple's September 9 event in Cupertino, California. This move could significantly boost the foldable segment, with IDC forecasting over 12% growth in global shipments this year. The iPhone Air itself sold 7.7 million units, representing 1.8% of Apple's phone sales in Q2 2026.

While the iPhone Air offered a premium, lightweight option, it came with compromises in camera and battery specifications. Similarly, Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge faced similar trade-offs. However, consumer interest in these novel designs persisted, suggesting a willingness to accept feature reductions for form factor innovation.

Apple's control over its supply chain positions it well to refine battery and camera performance for future models like a potential iPhone Air 2, slated for a spring release. This strategy aims to provide distinct market spaces for different iPhone models and alleviate supply chain pressures. Experts predict Apple will become a leading player in the foldable market, potentially shipping over 17 million foldables by 2027.