Apple has flirted with the idea of a foldable phone for years. Now, the signals are getting harder to ignore. Multiple reports from reliable analysts suggest Apple may finally unveil its first foldable iPhone in 2026.
The device, widely referred to as the iPhone Fold, has already captured attention across the industry. While Apple has not confirmed the name, media outlets and supply chain sources continue to use it when discussing the product.
A Book-Style Design, Not a Flip
Apple appears to be leaning toward a book-style fold, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. That means the device will open like a book, rather than fold vertically like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s approach closely mirrors Samsung’s larger foldable. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects the device to measure between 9 and 9.5 mm when folded. When opened, it could slim down to around 4.5 to 4.8 mm.
Another source on Weibo recently claimed the phone will be at least 4.8 mm thick when unfolded. Reports also suggest Apple may place the volume buttons on the top edge, aligned to the right, similar to the iPad mini. Meanwhile, the power button and camera control could remain on the right edge, like other recent iPhones.
On the back, the camera bump may resemble the iPhone Air-style plateau design.
Two Displays, Tablet-Sized Inside
When closed, users will interact with a 5.5-inch outer display. That screen should feel like a traditional iPhone. Once opened, the device could reveal a 7.8-inch inner display that feels closer to an iPad. However, a report claims slightly different numbers. It suggests a 5.3-inch front display and a 7.7-inch inner screen.
One rumor says the inner display will have a 2,713 x 1,920 resolution. The outer display may use a 2,088 x 1,422 resolution. The inner screen is reportedly close in size to a piece of A6 paper. Apple is also said to be testing a tougher display layer. Reports mention a transparent polyimide film placed above ultra-thin glass to improve durability.
A Fold Without the Crease
Apple appears determined to solve the crease problem. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the inner display will look nearly crease-free. He says Apple uses a metal plate to spread stress evenly during bending. That helps reduce visible lines across the screen. The company is also said to use liquid metal in the hinge. This material, formed through a die-casting process, improves durability and reduces screen deformation.
Chinese publication UDN reports that Apple may have finally eliminated the crease issue. If true, this could make the iPhone Fold the first foldable smartphone without a visible crease.
Titanium Body and Reinforced Hinge
Durability remains a top focus. Kuo reports that Apple will use a titanium chassis. The hinge may combine titanium and stainless steel. Another analyst, Jeff Pu, believes Apple could use both aluminum and titanium. Meanwhile, Kuo insists on a stainless steel and titanium mix.
The frame will likely use a titanium alloy to prevent bending. Apple already tested titanium in other premium devices, and it has proven to be strong and lightweight.
Four Cameras and 48 Megapixels
Camera details continue to surface. Gurman reports the foldable will include four cameras:
- One front-facing camera
- One inner display camera
- Two rear cameras
The source on Weibo claims both rear lenses will be 48 megapixels. Some sources say the inner display will use an under-screen camera. Meanwhile, the outer display could feature a punch-hole camera placed in the top-left corner. Kuo previously suggested the phone would include front cameras for both folded and unfolded modes.
Touch ID Returns
Face ID may not make the cut. Kuo believes Apple will use a Touch ID sensor integrated into the side button. Gurman has echoed this claim. Apple already uses side-button Touch ID in the iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini. Removing Face ID could free up internal space for other components.
Apple’s C2 Modem and No SIM Slot
The foldable iPhone will reportedly use Apple’s second-generation C2 modem. Gurman says this modem will handle cellular connectivity. Apple introduced its custom C1 modem in the iPhone 16e last year. The company later rolled out the C1X in the iPhone Air. These moves reflect Apple’s long-term plan to reduce reliance on Qualcomm.
The foldable device is also expected to remove the physical SIM slot. In the United States, the C2 modem may support mmWave.
Bigger Battery, Better Efficiency
Reports claim this device will carry the largest battery ever placed in an iPhone. Apple is reportedly shrinking internal components like the display driver to create space for more battery cells.
The phone may use high-density battery cells. Combined with the C2 modem, users could see faster speeds and improved power efficiency. At least for now, Apple appears to be testing black and white models with suppliers. Gurman notes that final color decisions could change before launch.
Premium Price Tag
Pricing rumors suggest Apple will aim high. Several reports place the U.S. price between $2,000 and $2,500. That would make it the most expensive iPhone ever. Analysts at UBS estimate a range between $1,800 and $2,000. Meanwhile, Fubon Research predicts around $2,399.
Kuo recently said the hinge may carry an average selling price of $70 to $80 once mass production begins. That figure sits well below earlier expectations of $100 to $120 or more. He credits assembly design optimization and Foxconn’s scaling efficiency for lowering costs. Whether Apple passes those savings to customers remains unclear.
Launch Timeline Still Uncertain
Jeff Pu says the device entered the New Product Introduction phase at Foxconn in March 2025. A report later noted that the phone moved into engineering validation. Foxconn could begin production in the fourth quarter, around October. Kuo and Pu both expect mass production in the second half of 2026.
However, Gurman believes Apple may launch the device in the fall season. Meanwhile, a source from Japan suggests a delay to 2027 remains possible. Apple may still be finalizing key design elements, including the hinge.
For now, one thing feels certain. Apple is closer than ever to entering the foldable market. If it delivers on durability and performance, the iPhone Fold could reshape the premium smartphone segment.
