The foldable phone market, while no longer a novelty, remains a challenging space for manufacturers. Early iterations from companies like Samsung have demonstrated the potential, but also highlighted persistent issues – hinge durability, screen creasing, dust ingress, and a premium price tag. Now, Apple’s rumored entry into this category with the “iPhone Fold” is generating significant attention, not because foldables are new, but because Apple’s approach suggests a belief that the technology has matured enough for a large-scale, polished consumer product.
Recent reporting, particularly from MacRumors, consolidates insights from analysts and leakers, painting a clearer picture of what Apple’s first foldable iPhone might entail. The device is moving beyond speculation and increasingly resembling a tangible product.
It’s a Fold, Not a Flip
The consistent message is that Apple is opting for a “book-style” foldable design – akin to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Google Pixel Fold – rather than the “clamshell” or “flip” design popularized by the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. This means a standard smartphone-like external display when folded, which opens to reveal a larger internal display for tablet-like functionality.
Regarding dimensions, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimates a thickness of 9–9.5mm when folded, and 4.5–4.8mm when unfolded. A separate leaker suggests the unfolded device could be at least 4.8mm thick. Hardware layout details also suggest a shift in button placement, with volume controls potentially moving to the top edge (aligned to the right, similar to the iPad mini), while the power button and camera controls remain on the right side, consistent with recent iPhone models. The rear of the device may feature an “iPhone Air-style” camera plateau.
Two Screens, With Slightly Different Sized Reports
Reports consistently point to an external display in the mid-5-inch range and an internal display just under 8 inches. The most frequently cited dimensions are 5.5 inches for the outer screen and 7.8 inches for the inner screen. However, a report from The Information suggests slightly different figures: 5.3 inches for the outer display and 7.7 inches for the inner display. One particularly detailed rumor specifies an inner display resolution of 2713 x 1920, roughly the size of A6 paper, paired with an outer display resolution of 2088 x 1422.
Protecting the delicate inner folding screen is a key concern. Apple is reportedly evaluating tougher film technologies, including a transparent polyimide layer over ultra-thin glass, to enhance durability.
Solving the Crease Problem
A persistent issue with foldable phones is the visible crease in the center of the unfolded display. MacRumors reports that Apple is aiming for an “virtually crease-free” inner screen. This ambition is reportedly supported by a metal plate designed to manage stress from repeated bending, combined with the use of liquid metal in the hinge to improve durability and reduce creasing. A supply chain report even claims Apple has solved the crease issue, potentially delivering the first “crease-free” foldable, though this claim requires verification with a physical product.
Titanium is the Common Thread
Material choices appear to prioritize stiffness and durability. Reports indicate a titanium chassis, with the hinge potentially incorporating a mix of titanium and stainless steel. Another analyst suggests a combination of aluminum and titanium. Regardless of the specific alloy, the focus is on preventing bending issues in a thin design.
Cameras: Dual Rear Lenses, But the Front Camera Story is Messy
Reliable information suggests the iPhone Fold will feature a dual-lens rear camera system. The front camera configuration is more complex. The device is expected to have a functioning camera whether folded or unfolded, potentially utilizing a “four camera” setup – one front camera, one inner camera, and two rear cameras, potentially both 48MP. However, the specifics of the front cameras remain uncertain. Some sources suggest an under-display camera for the inner screen, while the outer screen may feature a punch-hole camera, possibly located in the top-left corner.
Interestingly, multiple reports, including those from Kuo and Gurman, suggest Apple may forgo Face ID in favor of a Touch ID side button, similar to some iPad models, to conserve internal space.
Connectivity, Battery, and Colors
Apple reportedly plans to use its C2 modem in the iPhone Fold, and the device is expected to be eSIM-only, eliminating a physical SIM card slot. The C2 modem could also bring mmWave support in the U.S. Battery life is also a major focus, with expectations for the largest battery ever used in an iPhone. Here’s being achieved through slimming key components, including display-related parts, to create more space for larger and higher-density battery cells.
Price and Timing: Premium, Late 2026
Pricing is a significant consideration, with estimates ranging from $2,000 to $2,500 in the US. UBS suggests a price range of $1,800–$2,000, while Fubon Research estimates around $2,399. Regarding the launch schedule, the iPhone Fold reportedly entered Foxconn’s NPI (New Product Introduction) phase in March 2025, progressed to an engineering validation stage, and could see Foxconn begin production in early Q4 (October) 2026, ahead of broader mass production in the second half of 2026. Gurman reportedly expects a fall 2026 launch window.
Manufacturing foldable devices presents significant challenges. Apple appears to be approaching foldables with the same seriousness it applies to other product lines, but still faces the same hurdles as other manufacturers – hinge durability, crease visibility, camera placement, and maximizing battery capacity within a thin chassis. The 2026 target appears feasible, but numerous details remain unclear, suggesting Apple is still refining the design.
