Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Fold: Everything We Know So Far

Apple has long been the company that waits, watches, and then strikes when the market is ready. While Samsung, Google, and other major brands have already been experimenting with foldable smartphones for years, Apple has kept its cards close to the chest. Now, reports are painting a much clearer picture of the company’s first foldable iPhone, often referred to by leakers as the iPhone Fold. This information is also featured on 9to9trends’ YouTube channel, so be sure to check it out.

According to trusted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s entry into the foldable space is real, but fans will need patience—it is not expected to hit the market until late 2026 or possibly early 2027. Despite the wait, the combination of cutting-edge materials, unique software features, and Apple’s ecosystem integration could make this a landmark release. Here’s a deep dive into every leak, rumor, and report surrounding the foldable iPhone.

Design and Display: A iPhone Fold Unlike Any Current iPhone

Apple’s first foldable is expected to take the book-style approach rather than the clamshell design popularized by the Galaxy Z Flip series. This means it will function more like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Google’s Pixel Fold, with a larger inner display and a secondary outer display. Reports suggest the inner screen will measure 7.8 inches, providing an almost tablet-like experience when unfolded, while the outer screen will be 5.5 inches. Both panels are said to be wider than Samsung’s current foldable offerings, which could make everyday tasks like typing and multitasking much easier.

The design is also expected to push the foldable category forward with its nearly crease-free display. According to Kuo, Apple is working with Samsung and supplier FMM Tech to implement a laser-drilled metal stress distribution plate within the hinge mechanism. This technology is designed to minimize or potentially eliminate the display crease—a problem that has plagued every foldable device on the market so far. Apple is reportedly imposing stricter durability standards than Samsung uses for its own foldables, signaling that the company wants a flawless first impression for this product.

The hinge and frame materials also highlight Apple’s focus on premium construction. The iPhone Fold will reportedly use a combination of titanium and stainless steel, similar to the iPhone 16 Pro series, while future iPhones like the 17 Pro may move back to aluminum. Titanium’s strength-to-weight ratio is likely intended to keep the device durable without making it excessively heavy. Interestingly, to save internal space, Apple may replace Face ID with Touch ID, likely embedded in the power button, while the inner selfie camera will be hidden under the display, and the outer screen will feature a punch-hole camera similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

iPhone Fold Camera Setup: Familiar Hardware with Subtle Upgrades

On the camera front, leaks indicate that Apple is not chasing extreme numbers but instead sticking with tried-and-true technology. The foldable iPhone is expected to feature two 48MP sensors. The primary camera will likely be a 24mm equivalent lens with an f/1.78 aperture and second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, similar to the iPhone 16 Pro. The secondary lens is expected to be a 48MP ultrawide camera, likely borrowed directly from the current iPhone lineup. A telephoto lens does not appear to be part of the first-generation foldable, possibly to save internal space and reduce weight.

This camera approach signals that Apple is aiming for reliability and optimization rather than introducing new experimental sensors in its first iPhone Fold. Combined with Apple’s image processing and computational photography, the setup should deliver performance on par with its flagship non-foldable models.

Hardware Dimensions, Weight, and Build Challenges

Foldable smartphones often face criticism for bulk and weight, and Apple’s first model will likely be no exception. Ming-Chi Kuo’s reports suggest the iPhone Fold will be 4.5–4.8mm thin when unfolded and 9–9.5mm thick when folded. Instant Digital on Weibo corroborates the minimum 4.8mm thickness figure. While these numbers are competitive with last year’s foldables, they may feel slightly behind by 2026 standards. For context, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is just 4.2mm when unfolded and 8.9mm when folded, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8, expected in 2026, may go even thinner.

As for weight, official figures are not yet confirmed, but rumors suggest it will weigh more than the 227g iPhone 16 Pro Max but less than the 293g iPad Mini. This puts it in a comfortable range but still heavier than Samsung’s 215g Z Fold 7. The trade-off for Apple will likely be sturdier materials and a larger battery, both of which are crucial for the device’s usability.

Performance and Battery: Powering a New Category

iPhone Fold is expected to debut the A20 chip, built on TSMC’s 2nm process. This will likely offer around 15% faster performance and up to 30% better efficiency than the upcoming A19 chip. Paired with 12GB of RAM, this will give the foldable plenty of power for multitasking and new foldable-specific features. Apple is also expected to use advanced wafer-level multi-chip module (WMC) packaging, which helps with thermal control, higher bandwidth memory integration, and freeing internal space for the hinge, dual displays, and battery.

Speaking of the battery, this will be Apple’s largest ever. Reports from MyDrivers and Fixed Focus Digital point to a 5,000–5,500mAh battery, surpassing the 4,685mAh unit in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Apple is even exploring silicon-carbon technology to increase battery density without adding too much bulk, though this breakthrough may appear in later models rather than the first generation. While the capacity is significant, it still may not top industry leaders like the Honor Magic V5, which has a 6,100mAh battery at just 4.1mm thick, highlighting the competitive pressure in this space.

Software: The True Differentiator

If hardware alone cannot outshine Samsung and other foldable competitors, software will be Apple’s trump card. According to Mark Gurman, the foldable iPhone will not run a standard version of iOS. Instead, iOS 27 will include foldable-specific features, potentially blending iPadOS elements to maximize the 7.8-inch inner display.

Expected features include windowed multitasking, split-screen support, Slide Over, and custom app layouts. Apple could even enable iOS on the outer display and a seamless transition to an iPadOS-like interface on the inner display when unfolded. This level of software optimization would make the foldable iPhone not just a phone but a true iPad replacement in your pocket. For users who rely on iPads for light productivity, this could redefine their workflow entirely.

iPhone Fold Price and Release Date: A Premium Entry into Foldables

All of this innovation comes at a price. Early reports from Ming-Chi Kuo indicate the foldable iPhone will start above $2,000, positioning it firmly in the ultra-premium category. While that may sound steep, Apple is betting that its loyal user base will pay for the ecosystem advantages, crease-free display, and iPad-level functionality in a pocketable device.

As for timing, the iPhone Fold is not expected before late 2026, with some sources suggesting early 2027 is more realistic. By then, foldable technology will have matured, but Apple is clearly prioritizing refinement and reliability over rushing to market. If the leaks hold true, Apple’s first iPhone Fold will enter the market as a highly polished, premium device, designed to bridge the gap between iPhone and iPad while setting new standards for durability and software experience.

Last update on 2025-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API