Alleged Foldable iPhone Specs Detailed in Questionable Rumor

[MacRumors]

Foldable display technology could be the next major design change that Apple introduces for the iPhone, and we've been hearing rumors about an iPhone that folds in half for over eight years now. Rumors have been all over the place as Apple has experimented with different prototypes, and now one questionable source claims to have new details on Apple's plans.

The information, said to be sourced from "foldable iPhone supply chain research," comes from "zwz," and was highlighted by leaker Jukanlosreve. We are not familiar with zwz, some of the measurements are wrong, and the details don't match with other recent rumors we've heard, so the claims should be viewed with skepticism. Here's what's rumored, along with our commentary.

Folding Mechanism

There is supposedly a "large folding mechanism on the left rear side, and the device opens like a book with a horizontal fold." 2024 rumors from The Information suggested Apple is working on a clamshell iPhone that folds vertically, like Samsung's Z Flip.

Sizing

The rumor suggests that the internal (opened) display would be comparable to two 6.1-inch iPhones, "resulting in a total size of over 12 inches." Two 6.1-inch iPhones side by side would have a diagonal size of around 7.5 inches. A total size over 12 inches would be an iPad Pro folded in half, which would make for an enormous smartphone. There are rumors of a large foldable iPad-like device, but that is distinct from the rumored foldable iPhone.

The report even mentions a 2027 launch for a foldable iPad and MacBook, so there is no confusion over which device the source is talking about. It also says that "progress on small foldable phones is minimal," with focus on "large foldable phones."

Thickness

The report says the foldable iPhone will have a 4.6mm thickness when unfolded, and a 9.2mm thickness when folded. That's perhaps unrealistically thin. Samsung has been making foldable smartphones for six years and the current Z Fold is 5.6mm thick when unfolded. The thinnest device Apple has made to date is the 5.1mm iPad Pro, and that device doesn't have any kind of hinge mechanism.

Display Supplier

Apple will allegedly use displays developed and supplied by Samsung, but another rumor from last week suggested Apple had not yet selected a display supplier, and would not do so until late February or early April.

There have been other rumors about Samsung supplying foldable displays to Apple, but Apple is also rumored to be working with LG Display.

Cameras

The foldable iPhone will supposedly have an ultra-thin front camera that uses Meta Lens technology. This is technology that was rumored to be coming to the iPhone 17 lineup, but recent information suggests it's been scrapped for that device.

There are also supposedly Main and Ultra Wide cameras for a dual-lens rear camera setup.

Battery

The foldable iPhone will allegedly use two "stainless steel-cased batteries" with a combined capacity of 5,000mAh.

Launch Date

The foldable iPhone is said to be coming in fall 2026, which is not too far off from other rumors we've heard. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Jeff Pu, The Information, and The Wall Street Journal have all targeted late 2026 or early 2027.

Article Link: Alleged Foldable iPhone Specs Detailed in Questionable Rumor

 

[TheLinkster]

I have zero interest in a folding phone. Cue the flames.

 

[EugW]

If it's so questionable, then it probably shouldn't be a front page article.

 

[Havalo]

Tim: Starting from $2799 (128GB storage). Making it our cheapest from the lineup.

 

[Mr_Ed]

I know it’s a highly questionable rumor, but the thought of the weight of 2x5000 mAh batteries when an iPhone 16 Pro weighs 7 oz. with only a ~3600 mAh battery (as near as I can tell) is a huge turnoff.

 

[555gallardo]

If they claim that two 6.1” make up for a 12-inch display in total, the source is most likely a kid working at Happy Meal factory.

 

[cicalinarrot]

If it's so questionable, then it probably shouldn't be a front page article.

Rumors are rumours, this site is about rumors, they clearly labeled it as questionable...
You really felt the need to complain?

 

[now i see it]

I'll place the folding iPhone rumor on the same shelf as the Apple Car

 

[GUNSTAR1]

Head over to the Galaxy Fold subreddit and see the mixed reviews on how that's going...

 

[DrwMDvs]

I know it’s a highly questionable rumor, but the thought of the weight of 2x5000 mAh batteries when an iPhone 16 Pro weighs 7 oz. with only a ~3600 mAh battery (as near as I can tell) is a huge turnoff.

Articles states two batteries for a combined 5000mAh battery.

 

[timmodugdale]

Snooze. Wake me up when there is something to see. That said, I find it hard to believe I'll ever find a foldable phone to be something I want.

 

[Mr_Ed]

Articles states two batteries for a combined 5000mAh battery.

You’re right! My bad.

 

[cicalinarrot]

I'll place the folding iPhone rumor on the same shelf as the Apple Car

I reeeally think this is happening.
A car would have required a huge investment, so huge that a failure could have heavily impacted even Apple.
A failed mobile device for the sake of an experiment on the market? Apple has had a dozen in the last couple decades.
There's no reason to stop development now.

 

[bigjnyc]

Fold phones do not appeal to me in their current form.... Too thick (when closed) and the crease is very unsightly.... However I do like the concept of a folding phone so I would never say never... Apple has a way of taking longer but making products better, and removing some of the flaws..... So I will keep an open mind.

 

[maszaikasza]

If they claim that two 6.1” make up for a 12-inch display in total, the source is most likely a kid working at Happy Meal factory.

This is exactly what I wanted to say. It's a made up info by a very, very dumb (or young) person.

 

[JPack]

Thickness

The report says the foldable iPhone will have a 4.6mm thickness when unfolded, and a 9.2mm thickness when folded. That's perhaps unrealistically thin. Samsung has been making foldable iPhones for six years and the current Z Fold is 5.6mm thick when unfolded. The thinnest device Apple has made to date is the 5.1mm iPad Pro, and that device doesn't have any kind of hinge mechanism.

Huh? Why would you compare Z Fold? The foldable market leader is Huawei.

Mate XT is 3.6mm thin unfolded. Apple lagging at 4.6mm unfolded is completely reasonable.

 

[Windoes]

Just a silly concept that never hits the streets. At least not from Apple

 

[iamgalt]

I know it’s a highly questionable rumor, but the thought of the weight of 2x5000 mAh batteries when an iPhone 16 Pro weighs 7 oz. with only a ~3600 mAh battery (as near as I can tell) is a huge turnoff.

The article didn't say 2x5000 mah batteries. It said two batteries with a COMBINED 5000 mah. But remember this is a questionable rumor.

 

[snipr125]

All the Chinese and Korean tech companies have released their own foldable. Google have also, an American company, its just Apple left.

 

[JPack]

Sizing

The rumor suggests that the internal (opened) display would be comparable to two 6.1-inch iPhones, "resulting in a total size of over 12 inches." Two 6.1-inch iPhones side by side would have a diagonal size of around 7.5 inches. A total size over 12 inches would be an iPad Pro folded in half, which would make for an enormous smartphone. There are rumors of a large foldable iPad-like device, but that is distinct from the rumored foldable iPhone.

The report even mentions a 2027 launch for a foldable iPad and MacBook, so there is no confusion over which device the source is talking about. It also says that "progress on small foldable phones is minimal," with focus on "large foldable phones."

Again, since foldable market leader Huawei released in 2024 was a trifold, then Apple having two 6.1-inch displays in 2026/27 would not be an enormous smartphone.

Honestly, if the foldable iPhone isn't large, what would be the point? Who wants a foldable with a small display?

 

[Number 41]

I'll be honest, I don't know a single person who has actually bought one of these foldable phones.

 

[JPack]

I'll be honest, I don't know a single person who has actually bought one of these foldable phones.

To be fair, there are no good ones available in North America.

 

[applezulu]

There's still no use case for a foldable iPhone. The tech would add expense, software bloat for extra outside screens, additional screen aspect ratios, etc, and would drastically increase damage and warranty claims for an item that would be opened and closed over and over all day until it breaks or wears out. All this would be for what? The transitory novelty of being able to say, "look, it folds!"

There is a use case for a large-screen iPad that would fold in half for easier portability. It would require no software bloat, because there'd be no need for an additional 'outside' screen, the opened iPad screen would have the same aspect ratio as other iPads, and there'd be no wear and breakage hazard because people don't constantly get out an iPad to check for calls, texts and social media.

 

[sherwinzadeh]

The idea of an iPhone folding out to an iPad really appeals to me, if done right. While I don't think anyone has done it well, maybe Apple can?

 

[EugW]

There's still no use case for a foldable iPhone.

Yet foldable phones are not uncommon in Asia.