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Apple is expected to launch a new foldable iPhone next year, based on multiple rumors and credible sources. The long-awaited device has been rumored for years now, but signs increasingly suggest that 2026 could indeed be the year that Apple releases its first foldable device.

Apple-Foldable-Thumb.jpg

Below, we've collated an updated set of key details that have been leaked about Apple's foldable iPhone so far.

Overall Design
Book-Style
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple's foldable iPhone is similar in style to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold, which uses a book-style folding mechanism, rather than the clamshell design of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects the foldable ‌iPhone‌ to measure between 9 and 9.5 mm when folded, and around 4.5 to 4.8 mm when unfolded. More recently, Weibo-based leaker Instant Digital has said that the foldable iPhone will have a thickness of at least 4.8mm.

Display Sizes
Dual Screens
When folded, users will interact with a 5.5-inch outer display that is similar to a typical iPhone screen, while unfolding it will reveal a larger 7.8-inch iPad-style screen. The inner display is said to be virtually crease-free, thanks to Apple's use of a metal plate that can disperse and control the stress generated by bending the display. These dimensions have been corroborated by two reputable sources. According to one rumor, the inner folding display will have a 4:3 aspect ratio and use a 2,713 x 1,920 resolution, while the outer display will use a 2,088 x 1,422 resolution.

Chassis and Hinge
Durable Materials
The foldable iPhone reportedly has a titanium chassis, with the hinge constructed from a combination of titanium and stainless steel, according to Kuo. Apple is said to be using liquid metal in the hinges to improve durability and help eliminate screen creasing. Liquid metal, manufactured using a die-casting process, has been chosen by Apple to address these two common issues with foldable devices, according to the analyst.

Cameras
Front and Rear
The foldable iPhone is expected to include a dual-lens rear camera, with a front-facing camera for both folded and unfolded states, according to Kuo. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently corroborated reports that the device will have four cameras consisting of one front camera, one inner camera, and two rear cameras. Prolific Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station claims that the rear dual lenses will be 48 megapixels each. Other sources have claimed that the inner display features an under-screen camera (USC), while the outer display – in the device's folded state – will have a punch-hole camera.

Authentication
Touch ID
Kuo believes the phone will forgo Face ID authentication, and instead use a Touch ID side button as a means to save precious internal space, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently corroborated the rumor. Apple has previously integrated Touch ID into the side button of the iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini.

Cellular Connectivity
C1 Modem
The foldable iPhone will use Apple's second-generation C2 modem for cellular connectivity, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple debuted its custom-designed C1 modem in the iPhone 16e earlier this year, as part of a multi-year plan to transition away from Qualcomm modems. Gurman says the foldable device will not have a physical SIM slot.

Battery Life
High-Density Cells
Apple is putting a heavy focus on improving power efficiency by slimming down key components like the display driver to make room for more battery cells, according to a Korean blog that has leaked accurate details about unreleased product... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: Apple's First Foldable iPhone Expected in 2026: Key Rumors So Far
 
Looking forward to seeing something totally new for Apple. Especially how they’ll handle the software for it. And the folded square-ish screen with reduced height might make the phone more useable for my fellow small-handed folks.

Probably won’t bother with it until the 2nd gen at the earliest, however. Only two rear cams and return to Touch ID seem like major compromises for what will no doubt be $2k+ starting price.
 
“The phone will reportedly use high-density battery cells – the same ones that Kuo believes will be used in Apple's upcoming ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air.”

We all need coffee this morning ;)

On a serious note, it’d be nice if Apple used a silicon carbon battery, but knowing them, they’ll wait 2-3 generations.
 
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How is a 5.5 inch screen similar to a typical iPhone screen?? That is an iPhone mini! With a thickness of 9-10 mil it is also double the thickness of an iPhone mini. That is one thick iPhone 😳

In what reality do you live where 7.6 times two is 9.5?

Having it less than a mm thicker than the 17 Pro phones sounds amazing actually.
 
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This will probably be at a higher tier than the "Pro" models as its own niche product in the iPhone line. I'm thinking $1,500 starting, above the Pro Max.
 
$2500 is a lot of coin for a phone. Even $2K. I’m sure a LOT of people will pay it and I have no doubt it will be a fantastic device. Especially if the the open folding screen is the same size/aspect ratio of an existing iPad configuration.

I can see a lot of business applications for this device as an iPad replacement. If you combine the cost of an iPad and a phone, and add the convenience of carrying one device then this makes sense from a business standpoint. Not quite a laptop replacement. But it will fill a segment of the market that is currently not served by Apple.

This device won’t be for me. I have an iPad Pro that never got used after I got my first iPhone PM. The PM fits a size niche for me that’s a perfect fit between the regular iPhone and a laptop. When I want a laptop I want one with a full size screen and keyboard. I guess I’m old Tymee that way.

Apple will sell a lot of them. I will be intrigued to paw it up in the Apple Store and play around with it. But I don’t think I’ll actually buy one.
 
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More recently, analysts at investment banking firm UBS believe the phone will be between $1,800 and $2,000.

There is absolutely no way it will be priced lower than Z Fold. Z Fold starts at $2k. So I suspect iPhone will start at $2,200 at the very least.
 
The biggest compromise is the plastic covered display ☹️
The plastic piece is just a screen protector, which hopefully can be removed like on the Z Fold and Pixel Folds. Under the plastic screen protector is the ultra-thin glass. I remove the inner screen protector from my foldables on day one. I prefer the feel of the UTG.
 
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the opened screen will be almost exactly the same size as an iPad mini. iPhone when it’s closed, iPad when it’s open. Apple has 15 years worth of iPad optimised tablet apps that will run perfectly when it’s opened.
I never thought about the apps aspect. That's a great point. Anytime there is a new device category, the apps are slow to catch up. Shouldn't be an issue this time.
 
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I'd personally prefer a flip rather than fold, don't really need or want a huge phone screen. But it's a new design and it's welcomed
 
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