Revealing the features worth waiting for on Apple's first foldable iPhone
Apple's foldable iPhone is getting a lot of attention as rumors and leaks reveal a range of potential features. This article will take a look at the standout features that are expected to be on this groundbreaking device.
Apple is expected to officially join the foldable smartphone race next year, according to a series of rumors and reports from reputable sources. Although it has been rumored for years, there are now growing signs that 2026 could be the year Apple launches its long-awaited first foldable iPhone.
In this article, we will review all the most important leaked information about Apple's expected folding iPhone model.
Overall design
According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, a highly accurate source when it comes to Apple products, Apple's first foldable iPhone will likely have a similar design to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold line, which is a vertical folding form like a book.
This means the device will open up like a mini tablet, rather than folding like a clamshell like the Galaxy Z Flip, which is aimed at a more compact design.
Meanwhile, renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that Apple's foldable iPhone will have a body size of 9 to 9.5 mm when folded, which is relatively thick compared to a regular iPhone, but still within an acceptable range for a foldable device.
When fully opened, the thickness is estimated to be reduced to around 4.5 to 4.8 mm, thanks to the flexible thin screen design and refined hinge.
These parameters show that Apple is aiming for a high-end product with a flexible user experience, both as a phone and approaching the experience of an iPad mini when the screen is expanded.
Display size
According to reputable sources, Apple's foldable iPhone is said to have two separate screens with a flexible user experience depending on the device's open/closed state.
When folded, users will operate with a secondary external screen measuring about 5.5 inches in size, similar to the screen of current standard iPhone models. This screen is large enough to handle daily tasks such as texting, checking notifications, making calls or taking quick photos without having to fully unfold the device.
When opened, the device reveals a main display measuring around 7.8 inches, providing an experience very similar to an iPad mini, making it ideal for tasks like browsing the web, watching videos, multitasking, or editing documents.
Notably, the inner display is rumored to have almost no visible crease, a big step up from current foldables on the market that often have issues with creases along the hinge.
This suggests that Apple may have developed or optimized the hinge and flexible display technology in a separate way to provide a more seamless and premium feel.
These size specifications have been independently confirmed by two reliable industry sources, suggesting that this is likely the final configuration or very close to the final product.
Framemachine and hinge
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple's foldable iPhone is said to feature a premium titanium frame, while the hinge assembly will be a combination of titanium and stainless steel, providing strength while still ensuring the necessary lightness.
Notably, Apple is said to be applying liquid metal in the hinge structure to increase durability and minimize screen wrinkling, a common drawback on current folding devices.
Liquid metal, which is produced through a precision casting process, is Apple's strategic choice to solve two big problems: long-term durability and a smooth, crease-free display experience.
Camera
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple's foldable iPhone is expected to be equipped with a dual rear camera system, similar to current standard iPhone models, to ensure high-quality photography in a variety of situations.
Additionally, Apple is said to be incorporating dual front cameras, one for the outer display (when the device is in a folded state) and another placed above the main inner display (when fully unfolded).
This configuration will allow users to make video calls, take selfies, or unlock with Face ID flexibly in both modes of use, without having to change the folding position of the device.
Authentication
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple's first foldable iPhone will likely not use Face ID facial recognition technology like on current high-end iPhone models.
Instead, Apple is said to be integrating the Touch ID fingerprint sensor into the power button on the side of the device. This decision is not only to save space, which is very limited on a foldable device, but also to optimize the internal hardware layout, especially when it comes to making room for hinges, dual batteries, or flexible display components.
Apple has previously implemented this solution on the iPad Air, iPad mini, and basic-generation iPad, with Touch ID neatly integrated into the power button while still ensuring high speed and accuracy.
Applying this design to the foldable iPhone promises to bring a familiar, convenient experience without affecting the thin, light design or the folding ability of the device.
Battery life
According to a Korean technology blog that has repeatedly leaked accurate information about unreleased Apple products, "Apple" is focusing on optimizing energy efficiency for its first foldable iPhone.
Specifically, the company is looking to shrink important components such as the display driver, thereby freeing up internal space to integrate more battery cells, a key factor in maintaining long battery life on thin and foldable devices.
Apple is expected to use high-density batteries, which can provide more power without increasing the physical size, the source said.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also revealed that this advanced battery will be used in the iPhone 17 Air, the upcoming ultra-thin iPhone model, and will likely be brought to the foldable iPhone to ensure stable performance, even when the device has to handle two screens at the same time.
Price
According to multiple reports, Apple's foldable iPhone is expected to cost between $2,000 and $2,500 in the US market, making it the most expensive iPhone ever.
However, while this price tag may come as a shock to some, the foldable iPhone is still expected to be a strong draw for Apple's loyal fans.
For them, it will likely be a “must-have tech item”, as long as its quality and user experience meet their high expectations for design, features and performance.
Release date
According to Jeff Pu, a technology analyst who tracks Apple's supply chain, Apple's foldable iPhone has recently officially entered the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase at Foxconn.
While an official launch date has yet to be confirmed, both Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu say mass production will begin in the second half of 2026.