Breakdown of the top expectations for the upcoming foldable iPhone.

The rumors around a foldable iPhone—often called the "iPhone Fold"—have reached a fever pitch. With 2026 just around the corner, analysts and leakers are painting a clearer picture of what Apple’s first entry into the foldable market might look like.

12/31/20252 min read

1. Design: The "Book" Style

Unlike the compact "flip" phones (like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip), most leaks point toward a book-style design.

  • Two Screens: It is expected to feature a 5.5-inch outer display for quick tasks and a massive 7.8-inch internal screen that unfolds, effectively giving you an iPad Mini in your pocket.

  • Ultra-Thin Profile: Despite having two layers, rumors suggest it will be incredibly slim—around 9mm when folded and just 4.5mm when open. For comparison, that’s thinner than many current "standard" flagship phones.

    The rumors around a foldable iPhone—often called the "iPhone Fold"—have reached a fever pitch. With 2026 just around the corner, analysts and leakers are painting a clearer picture of what Apple’s first entry into the foldable market might look like.

    Here is a breakdown of the top expectations for the upcoming foldable iPhone.

    2. The "Creaseless" Display

    The biggest complaint with foldables today is the visible crease where the screen bends. Apple is reportedly obsessed with solving this.

    • New Materials: Rumors suggest Apple is working with Corning to develop a special version of Ceramic Shield glass that is flexible but durable.

    • Hinge Engineering: The hinge might use a complex mechanical system (potentially using liquid metal) to disperse pressure, making the fold nearly invisible to the eye and touch.

A cell phone with a blue case and a silver case
A cell phone with a blue case and a silver case

3. Power and Performance

As a premium "Ultra" tier device, the iPhone Fold won't hold back on specs.

  • A20 Pro Chip: It is expected to run on Apple’s next-generation 3nm A20 Pro chip, designed to handle heavy multitasking across the larger screen.

  • AI Integration: With Apple Intelligence becoming a core part of the ecosystem, the larger display is being viewed as the perfect "carrier" for advanced AI features, such as multi-window processing and smarter video editing tools.

4. Camera and Biometrics

  • Quad-Camera Setup: Early renders show a total of four cameras: two on the rear, one on the cover display, and one on the internal screen for video calls.

  • Touch ID vs. Face ID: Because the device is so thin, some analysts believe Apple might move Touch ID to the power button (similar to the iPad Air) rather than using the traditional Face ID notch, allowing for a truly "all-screen" look.

5. Price and Release Date

This will likely be the most expensive iPhone ever made.

  • Price Tag: Expect a price between $1,999 and $2,499. Apple is positioning this as a luxury, high-end productivity tool.

  • Release Window: Most reliable sources, including analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo, target a September 2026 launch alongside the iPhone 18 series.

The Verdict: Apple is famously "late" to new tech because they wait until they can perfect it. If these rumors hold true, the iPhone Fold won't just be another foldable—it will be Apple's attempt to make the "crease" a thing of the past and redefine the tablet-phone hybrid.

Apple Store shop front
Apple Store shop front