For years, the foldable smartphone market has been dominated by Samsung and Google, while Apple has remained conspicuously on the sidelines. However, as 2026 unfolds, the silence is being replaced by a chorus of credible reports from industry analysts and supply-chain leakers. The outlines of the so-called iPhone Fold are finally coming into focus, suggesting a device that aims to refine, rather than just join, the foldable category.
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While rumours of a foldable iPhone surfaced as early as 2017, Apple appears to have finally locked in a production window. Most insiders, including Ming-Chi Kuo and Mark Gurman, point toward a late 2026 launch, likely coinciding with the debut of the iPhone 18 lineup. While some speculate the release could slip into 2027 if durability standards aren’t met, the current consensus is that Apple is targeting a premium flagship launch for the holiday season of 2026.
Apple has reportedly bypassed the “clamshell” flip design in favour of a book-style foldable. When unfolded, the device is expected to feature a massive 7.7 to 7.8-inch internal display, effectively functioning as a pocketable iPad mini.
To achieve a slim profile, Apple is rumoured to be applying lessons learned from the “iPhone Air” project. The Fold is expected to measure a mere 4.5mm to 5.6mm when open. To maintain a functional experience when closed, the outer display will likely land in the 5.5-inch range, featuring a slightly squarer aspect ratio than standard iPhones to better accommodate the interior screen’s dimensions.
The most significant hurdle for foldables remains the visible crease. Apple reportedly considers an invisible crease non-negotiable. To achieve this, Apple is expected to use a new Samsung-supplied OLED panel showcased at CES 2026. This technology utilizes a laser-drilled metal support plate beneath the flexible glass to disperse stress. By combining this with a specialized hinge mechanism, Apple aims to deliver the first truly “flat” foldable viewing experience.
The iPhone Fold is expected to deviate from the traditional “Dynamic Island” aesthetic. Rumours suggest Apple will utilize Touch ID integrated into the power button rather than Face ID, allowing for an uninterrupted display. The camera array is rumoured to be a sophisticated four-sensor setup:
- Dual 48MP Rear Cameras: Main and Ultra-Wide sensors.
- Outer Punch-Hole Camera: For quick selfies and video calls.
- 24MP Under-Display Camera: A high-resolution sensor hidden beneath the large internal screen.
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Durability will be anchored by the use of Liquidmetal (a metallic glass alloy) in the hinge construction. This material is lighter than titanium but far more resistant to the deformation that occurs over thousands of folds. To power the massive dual displays, Apple is testing high-density batteries in the 5,000 to 5,800mAh range—the largest ever seen in an iPhone—ensuring the device can handle the demands of its rumoured A-series chip and in-house 5G modem.
Exclusivity will come at a high cost. Analysts predict the iPhone Fold will be Apple’s most expensive mobile device to date, with prices estimated between $2,000 and $2,500. This positions the Fold not just as a phone, but as a top-tier productivity tool comparable to a high-end MacBook or iPad Pro.
As with all pre-launch rumours, these details remain subject to Apple’s perfectionism. However, if the current trajectory holds, the end of 2026 will mark the most significant shift in the iPhone’s form factor since its inception.
