Apple is preparing to make one of its boldest moves in years: the launch of a foldable iPhone, rumored to arrive in 2026. While the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup is just around the corner, industry chatter has already shifted toward the so-called iPhone Fold, Apple’s first foray into the foldable smartphone category.
Reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and multiple supply chain insiders suggest that the device will not only carry Apple’s signature premium design but also introduce crease-free displays, multiple cameras, advanced connectivity, and ultra-thin engineering. If these rumors prove true, the iPhone Fold could disrupt the foldable market currently dominated by Samsung, Huawei, and other Android manufacturers.
This article breaks down everything we know so far about the iPhone Fold, including its design, hardware, features, pricing, and launch timeline.
Design and Display
Apple’s iPhone Fold is expected to adopt a book-style folding design, comparable to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series.
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Outer Display: Reports suggest a 5 to 6-inch screen on the cover, allowing users to operate it like a standard iPhone.
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Inner Display: When unfolded, the phone could reveal an 8-inch crease-minimized OLED panel, transforming the device into a tablet-like form factor.
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Slim Build: Apple’s engineering team is said to be targeting a folded thickness of around 9-9.5 mm, while the unfolded device could measure just 4.5-4.8 mm, making it slimmer than most foldables on the market.
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Durability: The chassis may feature titanium, while the hinge is reportedly composed of titanium, stainless steel, and liquid metal for improved longevity.
Apple is also working on laser-drilled display plates and in-cell touchscreen technology to reduce the crease effect a major issue with existing foldables.
Summary Table
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
Design |
Book-style foldable |
Outer Display |
5-6 inch |
Inner Display |
8 inch crease-minimized |
Thickness |
9-9.5 mm (folded), 4.5-4.8 mm (unfolded) |
Build |
Titanium chassis, liquid-metal hinge |
Cameras |
4 cameras (dual rear, dual front) |
Biometrics |
Touch ID (side button) |
Connectivity |
eSIM-only, Apple C2 modem, Wi-Fi 7 |
Performance |
High-density battery, A20 chip, up to 1TB storage |
Colors |
Black, White |
Price |
$1,800 – $2,500 |
Launch Window |
Fall 2026 |
Official Site for Updates: Apple.com
Camera Setup
One of the highlights of the iPhone Fold is its expected quad-camera system:
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Primary Rear Camera – Likely a 48MP sensor.
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Secondary Rear Camera – Could be an ultra-wide or telephoto lens.
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Front Camera on Cover Display – For selfies and FaceTime calls.
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Inner Front Camera (under-display) – Integrated into the foldable screen for a seamless experience.
Some leaks even suggest a potential fifth camera, but consensus points to four functional cameras at launch.
Biometric Security
Unlike the current iPhone models, which use Face ID, the iPhone Fold may revert to Touch ID.
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The side-mounted Touch ID sensor would save internal space and help maintain the ultra-thin form factor.
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Apple’s TrueDepth Face ID system is reportedly too bulky to fit within the foldable design.
This approach mirrors what Apple already uses on some iPad models.
Connectivity and Modem
The iPhone Fold will likely ship with Apple’s in-house C2 cellular modem, building on the C1 modem introduced in the iPhone 16e.
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eSIM-Only: Apple may completely remove the physical SIM card slot, making the iPhone Fold exclusive to eSIM connectivity.
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Advanced Wireless Support: Alongside 5G, it is expected to support Wi-Fi 7 and faster satellite connectivity.
This aligns with Apple’s long-term plan to fully control its wireless hardware ecosystem.
Battery and Performance
The foldable iPhone is rumored to use high-density battery technology to offset power consumption from the larger displays.
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Apple may equip the device with A20 series chips for cutting-edge performance.
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Power efficiency gains will also come from advanced display drivers and the new in-house modem.
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Storage options could reportedly scale up to 1TB.
These upgrades are essential to compete with foldable devices already on the market.
Colors and Finish
Initial reports suggest the iPhone Fold will launch in two colors: black and white. Apple may expand the palette in later models, but for the first generation, the company is likely keeping the design minimal and professional.
Pricing and Market Outlook
The iPhone Fold will not be cheap. Analysts expect it to become Apple’s most expensive iPhone ever:
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Estimated Price Range: USD $1,800 to $2,500
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JP Morgan predicts a starting price of $1,999.
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UBS estimates a slightly lower range of $1,800–$2,000.
Despite the premium pricing, analysts believe Apple could sell 10–15 million units in the first year, with sales growing significantly by 2029.
Release Timeline
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Mass Production: Expected to start in late 2025.
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Official Launch: Likely in Fall 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 series.
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Market Availability: Initial launch in select markets, followed by a wider rollout.
FAQs
Q1. When will the iPhone Fold launch?
A1. The iPhone Fold is expected in Fall 2026, after mass production begins in late 2025.
Q2. How many cameras will it have?
A2. Leaks suggest a four-camera system, including dual rear lenses and dual front cameras.
Q3. Will Face ID be included?
A3. No, Apple is likely replacing Face ID with a Touch ID sensor to maintain thinness.
Q4. Will it support physical SIM cards?
A4. No, the iPhone Fold is expected to be eSIM-only.
Q5. How much will it cost?
A5. Pricing is estimated between $1,800 and $2,500, depending on configuration.
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