Apple has always taken its time before entering new product categories, and the upcoming foldable iPhone is the perfect example of this strategy. While Samsung, Google, and Honor have been experimenting with foldable technology for years, Apple has stayed quiet, carefully studying the flaws and advancements in this field. Now, according to multiple leaks and reports, Apple’s first foldable iPhone—rumored to be called the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra—is expected to launch in 2026. Unlike the incremental changes seen in the iPhone 17 lineup and the iPhone Air, this device could redefine what an iPhone looks and feels like. This information is also featured on 9to9trends’ YouTube channel, so be sure to check it out.
Design and Form Factor
Leaked information suggests that Apple’s foldable iPhone will adopt a book-style design, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Google Pixel Fold. When folded, it will feature a 5.5-inch external display, which is reminiscent of the older iPhone Plus models like the 6 Plus, 7 Plus, and 8 Plus. Unfold the device, and users will be greeted by a 7.8-inch inner screen, almost identical in size to the original iPad Mini’s 7.9-inch display. Unlike Samsung’s tall foldable design, Apple is expected to go with a more compact and balanced wallet-style aspect ratio, making the device easier to use as both a phone and a tablet replacement.
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Solving the Hinge Proble m
One of the biggest criticisms of foldable phones so far has been the crease issue. Many devices, including Samsung’s early models, suffered from a visible and tactile crease down the middle of the display, which hurt the premium experience. Apple appears determined to eliminate this flaw before releasing its own foldable. Reports claim the company has developed a liquid metal hinge system that greatly reduces or even removes the crease, while also minimizing the ridge effect when running a finger across the screen. This would not only enhance durability but also deliver the seamless visual quality Apple is known for.
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Return of Touch ID
Another surprising detail from the leaks is the possible return of Touch ID. Instead of relying on Face ID, which can be awkward to implement on a foldable layout, Apple could bring back a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, similar to the iPad Air and iPad Mini. This decision makes sense, as it ensures secure authentication across both folded and unfolded states without requiring complex hardware like a dynamic island on a large foldable screen.
iPhone Fold Camera System
When it comes to cameras, Apple seems to be taking a practical approach rather than loading the foldable with Pro Max-level optics. The iPhone Fold is expected to feature four cameras in total: one on the cover display, one inside the unfolded screen, and a dual setup on the rear. The back cameras will most likely include a wide and an ultra-wide lens, skipping the telephoto zoom to keep the device thin and streamlined. While this may disappoint some users, Apple’s strategy is clear: the foldable is not designed to replace the Pro Max for professional photography, but to introduce an entirely new form factor to the iPhone lineup.
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Performance and Chipset
Under the hood, the foldable iPhone is rumored to be powered by Apple’s C1X chip, the same one introduced in the iPhone Air, though by 2026, there could be an upgrade to a C2X chip. These processors bring Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and advanced 5G support, ensuring top-tier connectivity and efficiency. Combined with Apple’s optimized software, this chipset should allow the iPhone Fold to handle multitasking across dual screens without compromising performance.
Battery Technology
Foldables face a unique challenge in balancing thin design with battery life. To solve this, Apple may adopt carbon lithium battery technology, already seen in devices like the Honor Magic V5 and Oppo N5. This technology allows for slimmer builds without sacrificing energy efficiency. With this upgrade, Apple could potentially make the iPhone Fold under 5 mm thick when fully unfolded, setting a new benchmark for slimness in foldable devices.
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Colors and Storage Options
While Apple has recently experimented with bold new finishes for its Pro lineup, such as bright orange and new shades of blue, the foldable is expected to launch in classic black and white. This conservative approach might reflect Apple’s intent to position the Fold as a sleek, professional device for early adopters. Storage options are expected to start at 256 GB or 512 GB, with higher tiers scaling up to 1 TB and 2 TB, similar to the iPhone Pro Max models.
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iPhone Fold Price Expectations
Foldable technology comes at a cost, and Apple’s entry won’t be any different. According to leaks, the iPhone Fold will likely start at around $1,800, putting it directly in line with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Google Pixel Fold. Premium storage configurations, however, could easily exceed $2,000, matching or even surpassing the pricing of the iPhone 17 Pro Max at its highest capacity. While expensive, this price point reflects the advanced engineering and entirely new design language behind the product.
Release Timeline
As for when we will see it, the foldable iPhone is reportedly planned for September 2026, launching alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Interestingly, the standard iPhone 18 models and the iPhone Air 2 may be delayed until March 2027, meaning Apple could give the Fold extra spotlight during its flagship event. If these timelines hold, the iPhone Fold will mark Apple’s boldest product shift in years, signaling the start of a new era for the iPhone family.
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Last update on 2026-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
