Foldable screen iPhone gradually revealed, may launch in 2026
The shape of the foldable iPhone is becoming clearer after a series of leaks and rumors. Apple is likely to introduce this groundbreaking device next year.
After years of waiting, Apple's foldable iPhone is slowly emerging with many leaks about its design and features. According to rumors, Apple could introduce this groundbreaking device next year.
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Dual screen with ideal size
The 'Fold' iPhone will have two screens, including a 7.8-inch internal screen when fully expanded and a 5.5-inch external screen. This is a big step up from all current iPhones, which have screens ranging from 6.1 inches to a maximum of 6.9 inches.
According to 9to5mac, these numbers are very close to the devices Apple has produced. The internal screen is approximately the size of the 7.9-inch iPad mini, while the external screen will please users who love the iPhone mini - the 5.4-inch screen model that has been discontinued.
Vertical folding design without creases
One of the biggest drawbacks of current foldable smartphones is the annoying crease at the fold of the screen. Rumor has it that Apple has created a “crease-free” inner display that solves this problem.
Eliminating the crease on the iPhone Fold is just one of the key aspects of the new “book-fold” design. Another thing to watch out for is thickness. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the iPhone Fold “will be 9-9.5mm thick when folded and 4.5-4.8mm thick when unfolded,” making it much thinner than the upcoming iPhone 17 Air.
4-lens camera system
The camera is one of the most important features of the iPhone. Rumors suggest that the iPhone Fold will have a total of four cameras, including two rear cameras, one front camera when folded, and one front camera when unfolded.
Both rear cameras are 48 MP, but it's unclear whether the second lens will be an ultra-wide or telephoto lens. This year, Apple will switch all iPhone 17 series to 24 MP front cameras, so it's likely that the iPhone Fold will use the same camera.
Back to Touch ID
Since the iPhone X was released in 2017, Apple's high-end iPhone lineup has used Face ID as a security method, eliminating the Touch ID found on previous generations. Although the iPhone Fold is expected to have a very high price, there are rumors that the device will use Touch ID for authentication.
It's possible that Apple is trying to avoid integrating two Face ID components - one for the outer screen, one for the inner screen, which would both create a burden on manufacturing costs and hinder the space inside the device.
Premium titanium bezel
While Apple is expected to ditch titanium in the iPhone 17 series, rumors suggest that the foldable iPhone will use some titanium components. Specifically, analyst Ming Chi Kuo predicts that the hinge will combine stainless steel and titanium alloy, while the case will be made of titanium alloy.
Positioned in the highest end segment
It’s not hard to predict that the foldable iPhone will be one of Apple’s most expensive mobile devices, with Kuo estimating the retail price to be around $2,000-$2,500.
Taking advantage of its position and huge user base, the foldable iPhone could create great appeal despite its sky-high price. If the leaked information is correct, this will be an important turning point in the history of iPhone development, marking Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone market.
