Foldable iPhone Expected Next Year: All the Rumored Features So Far

[MacRumors]

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.

Below, we've collated the 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.

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. These dimensions have been corroborated by two reputable sources.

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.

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. Apple has previously integrated Touch ID into the side button of the iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini.

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 products before. 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.

Pricing
Premium Segment
Multiple reports suggest the foldable iPhone will be priced between $2,000 and $2,500 in the United States, which could make it the most expensive iPhone ever. Despite the price, the foldable is expected to tap into Apple's loyal fanbase, some of whom will view it as a "must-have device" if its quality meets expectations.

Launch Date
Late 2026
According to industry analyst Jeff Pu, the device is said to have recently entered the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase at Foxconn. An exact launch date is currently unknown, but both Kuo and Pu say mass production is planned for the second half of 2026.

Article Link: Foldable iPhone Expected Next Year: All the Rumored Features So Far

 

[thiscatisfat]

That's...not an iPhone anymore.

Sort of unfair that we're getting some sort of a folding Apple phone (or "iPhone" if they want to call it that) for the 5 people who want one, but not a normal-sized iPhone. Both are minorities, I just feel like a small, iPhone 5 sized version of an iPhone in 2025/2026 is something people want more than a folding tablet.

 

[nfl46]

This will be my next iPhone.

Hopefully it comes out in September 2026.

 

[VulchR]

'virtually crease free' - any crease indicates mechanical stress on the electronic pathways used to supply the screen power - a weak point that will be repeatedly flexed. No thanks. Now, if two separate flat screens are joined together by ultra-precision precision hinge, I might take a look. Flexible screens should be used for static curved devices (waiting for Apple to come out with an armlet for the lower arm that might be bigger than a watch).

 

[JohnC1959]

That's...not an iPhone anymore.

Sort of unfair that we're getting some sort of a folding Apple phone (or "iPhone" if they want to call it that) for the 5 people who want one, but not a normal-sized iPhone. Both are minorities, I just feel like a small, iPhone 5 sized version of an iPhone in 2025/2026 is something people want more than a folding tablet.

I get that there is a group that wants a smaller phone but Apple tried that and it didn't sell nearly as well as the larger ones. This foldable will also only appeal to a small group (largely because of the price) but I'm suspecting it's Apple's way of testing the waters on a foldable first.

 

[poorcody]

Any word if the screen is still glass? I don't like those plastic-feeling screens on some of the folds...

 

[infinitejest]

It’s never gonna be 2026…

 

[Zorn]

As someone who fully plans to pre-order this thing instantly, I'm lowkey a bit glad that they might just skip Face ID. I don't feel that technology was really ever that useful, too many times that I'm trying to just pick up my phone or check something quick and suddenly it's complaining that it couldn't read my face or getting itself 'locked out' to the passcode because I touched the phone while it was flat on a couch so it 'missed' the face scan.

 

[SomnambulantSurgeon]

Honestly I’m thinking of getting a Pura X after seeing some videos on it. I’d like to see it “do something” first.

I’d prefer to buy Apple. But damn I know it’s going to be $2500 and in the wrong aspect ratio.

 

[jz0309]

This has the highest potential of being my next iPhone, but, as with all those rumors, I will check the actual specs once Apple announced them and I will make my decision then.
This foldable would eliminate my iPad…

 

[Jkeith85]

My only worry is if the screens scratches easily. Isn’t this an issue with Samsungs?

 

[jz0309]

That's...not an iPhone anymore.

Sort of unfair that we're getting some sort of a folding Apple phone (or "iPhone" if they want to call it that) for the 5 people who want one, but not a normal-sized iPhone. Both are minorities, I just feel like a small, iPhone 5 sized version of an iPhone in 2025/2026 is something people want more than a folding tablet.

Sure, make a “small” iPhone for the 5 people that want one…
The mini didn’t sell compared to the larger ones, the market has spoken.

 

[smorrissey]

3000 bucks minimum!!

 

[thefrost]

Rumours have definitely been ramping up more quickly. Can't wait to see the enormous price tag!

 

[UltimaKilo]

I generally don't jump into a first gen Apple product (sometimes not even 2nd gen), but this might be another exception.

 

[iMattPro]

Nope.

 

[thiscatisfat]

Sure, make a “small” iPhone for the 5 people that want one…
The mini didn’t sell compared to the larger ones, the market has spoken.

Mini sold better than Max. Pro Max stayed because it made more revenue in smaller numbers, not because it was more popular. It's more difficult and a lot more expensive to engineer and produce a really good small iPhone with Pro features without a camera bump than it is to make a phablet with humongous cameras. Cook's Apple is taking the easy way to profit, Jobs's Apple would take the hard way towards a better product. That's the difference between Cook and Jobs, Cook doesn't care about the product.

 

[spillled typos]

The book-style fold makes me incredibly sad. I want smaller folded dimensions (ignoring depth) than a normal iPhone to replace my aging Mini.

 

[DelayedGratificationGene]

Yup!

 

[pdaholic]

My first thought was “no way they would make a foldable that would cannibalize sales of the iPad mini.” But if you think about it, it is likely going to cost more than an iPhone and an iPad mini combined.

 

[klasma]

The rumored screen diagonals, when taken together, imply an aspect ratio close to 1:√2 (1:1.414) for both screens, resulting in screen dimensions around 3.18” x 4.49” and 6.35” x 4.49”. The aspect ratio of both screens being the same makes sense, because it means an app can be switched from the outer to the inner screen (or vice versa) without having to change its layout. Apps would not even need to be aware that they are switched.

And these aspect ratios would be quite different from the rendering in the article.

 

[sparkso]

Finally, a proper implementation of a foldable device. The ones out in the market so far are all merely race to be first hit and hope products.

 

[gagaliya]

apple got the idea right this time, the crease is what kills a foldable for me. execution remains to be seen, hopefully they deliver what is promised and the phone actually unfolds to a completely flat screen without crease while still maintain the form factor and usability of a regular iphone when folded, while ensuring the hinge doesnt fall apart after 1-2 years of use.

If they can do all that, then it will be a winner. Of course i will never buy first gen products, so going to be at least 2-3 iterations before i consider it

 

[Jashar7]

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.

Below, we've collated the 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.

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. These dimensions have been corroborated by two reputable sources.

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.

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. Apple has previously integrated Touch ID into the side button of the iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini.

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 products before. 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.

Pricing
Premium Segment
Multiple reports suggest the foldable iPhone will be priced between $2,000 and $2,500 in the United States, which could make it the most expensive iPhone ever. Despite the price, the foldable is expected to tap into Apple's loyal fanbase, some of whom will view it as a "must-have device" if its quality meets expectations.

Launch Date
Late 2026
According to industry analyst Jeff Pu, the device is said to have recently entered the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase at Foxconn. An exact launch date is currently unknown, but both Kuo and Pu say mass production is planned for the second half of 2026.

Article Link: Foldable iPhone Expected Next Year: All the Rumored Features So Far

I will never buy any foldable but I’m very interested to see what this gonna look like

 

[jz0309]

Mini sold better than Max. Pro Max stayed because it made more revenue in smaller numbers, not because it was more popular. It's more difficult and a lot more expensive to engineer a produce a really good small iPhone with Pro features without a camera bump than it is to make a phablet with humongous cameras. Cook's Apple is taking the easy way to profit, Jobs's Apple would take the hard way towards a better product. That's the difference between Cook and Job, Cook doesn't care about the product.

Source for those numbers?
And as far as your Jobs/Cook analogy - we live in 2025 now and he’s dead for 15 years, stop living in the past