iPhone Fold – Everything We Know So Far

Apple hasn’t launched a completely new iPhone form factor in years. But in 2026, that could change. The long-rumored foldable iPhone, sometimes called the iPhone Fold or iPhone Flip is finally seems closer than ever. After years of patents, prototypes, and delayed timelines, multiple credible sources now point to a late 2026 debut. And if leaks are anything to go by, this might be Apple’s most ambitious iPhone yet.

In this article, we’ll walk through everything we know about the foldable iPhone so far, from the design and display sizes to release date and expected pricing.

Note: Apple has not officially announced the foldable iPhone. All details below are based on reliable leaks and analyst reports.

Quick Overview of the Foldable iPhone

Here’s a snapshot of what rumors and leaks consistently suggest about Apple’s first foldable:

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Specification	Details
Form Factor	Book-style vertical fold (like Galaxy Z Fold)
Inner Display	7.8-inch crease-free OLED (Samsung-supplied)
Outer Display	5.5-inch OLED cover screen
Hinge	Titanium alloy or Liquid Metal for durability
Chipset	A20 Pro or A21 Pro
Authentication	Touch ID in power button (no Face ID)
Rear Cameras	Dual 48MP wide + ultra-wide
Battery	~5,000–5,500 mAh (rumored)
Thickness	~4.6–4.8mm unfolded, ~9.2mm folded
Price	$1,999 ($1,800–$2,500 expected)
Release Date	Second half of 2026 (possibly September along with iPhone 18 lineup)

Design: Crease-Free and Thinner than iPhone 17 Air

Apple is working on a foldable iPhone that opens like a book, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold. On the outside, it works just like any other iPhone with a full display. Unfold it, and you get a 7.8‑inch screen that’s almost the size of an iPad mini, but small enough to slip into your pocket. Apple is also rumored to be targeting a crease‑free design, which could set it apart from most fold phones on the market.

The hinge is rumored to be made from Liquid Metal for extra strength, with leaks pointing to a thickness of around 9.2mm when folded and just under 4.8mm when unfolded. That would make it thinner than iPhone 17 Air and on-par with current foldables out there.

Another interesting change could be in the biometrics. Several leaks suggest Apple might skip Face ID on the Fold and go with Touch ID built into the side button instead.

Display: A 7.8-inch iPad Mini in Your Pocket

The iPhone Fold is expected to have two OLED displays. The outer screen will be around 5.5 inches, giving you a compact iPhone experience when the phone is folded. The main display on the inside opens up to roughly 7.8 inches, big enough to feel like a small iPad.

Apple is said to be using custom panels from Samsung that are designed to avoid the deep crease seen on most foldables. The inner display will also reportedly have an under‑display camera to keep the viewing area clean, while the outer screen could use a small hole‑punch camera.

Both screens are expected to support high refresh rates for smooth scrolling, animations, and gaming, along with brightness levels on par with Apple’s Pro models.

Camera: Pro-Level Lenses, But No Telephoto

The iPhone Fold is rumored to have a dual‑camera setup on the back, using the same main and ultra‑wide lenses as the iPhone 16 Pro. Both are said to be 48MP, so image quality should be close to Apple’s current Pro models. Unlike the Pro lineup, the Fold is not expected to include a telephoto lens.

For selfies and video calls, the outer display is expected to have a hole‑punch camera, while the larger inner display will use an under‑display camera. This keeps the big screen free from notches or cutouts, making it better for watching videos or playing games. We don’t yet have concrete leaks about the resolution of these front cameras, but it’s possible they could be similar to the 12MP sensors Apple has been using in recent iPhones.

Performance: On-Par with iPhone 18 Pro

Launching alongside the iPhone 18 lineup means the Fold should ship with Apple’s next‑generation A20 Pro chip built on TSMC’s 2nm process. Some leaks suggest it could get the following year’s A21 Pro chip, but that’s less certain. What is certain is that Apple will opt for Pro‑level hardware to handle the demands of dual displays. RAM will likely be integrated into the chip package for better efficiency.

The iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to include a vapor chamber to help keep temperatures under control. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Fold gets a similar cooling system, but given its slim design, these details remain speculative for now.

On the software side, iOS 27 will be optimized for foldables, with features designed to take advantage of the larger inner display. This mix of optimized hardware and software suggests the first‑generation Fold should deliver smooth performance, even if the finer details are still a mystery.

Battery: Dual-Cell Setup Just like Most Foldables

Battery details remain vague, but early leaks suggest a dual‑cell battery setup, which is common in foldables, allowing the phone to charge faster and distribute power evenly across both halves of the device. However, exact capacity numbers haven’t surfaced yet.

Charging speeds are also still a mystery. Apple has been conservative here, so it’s safe to expect something in line with current Pro models. Wireless charging and MagSafe support are likely to carry over, but we’ll have to wait for more solid details.

Colors: Expect a Pro‑Style Palette

No concrete leaks on colors yet. Normally, color options does not get leaked out until closer to launch.

However, we can expect the Fold series to have a similar palette as that of the Pro series iPhone. Muted colors like Space Black, White, and Natural Titanium are likely. Apple could also introduce one bold color to make the Fold stand out, similar to the Orange seen in iPhone 17 Pro leaks.

Connectivity: A Pro Series Phone in Disguise

Connectivity should match the iPhone 18 Pro. Expect 5G with either the latest Qualcomm or Apple modem, Wi‑Fi 7 for faster speeds, and Bluetooth 5.4 for improved accessory stability.

USB‑C will remain, and with the Fold positioned as a premium device, it will likely support USB 3 speeds like the Pro models.

Satellite connectivity for Emergency SOS and Roadside Assistance is also expected. For now, these are all based on speculation, as nothing major has leaked about the Fold’s connectivity.

iPhone Fold’s Expected Pricing and Release Date

The iPhone Fold is expected to launch in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 lineup. Analysts like Ming‑Chi Kuo and Mark Gurman point to a fall release, in line with Apple’s usual flagship cycle.

Pricing will likely start around $1,999, with estimates ranging from $1,800 to $2,300. While expensive compared to Pro models, it’s competitive with other premium foldables. Exact launch details will become clearer closer to 2026.

Here’s a Timeline of iPhone Fold Leaks Happened So Far

This timeline provides a clear view of how leaks have evolved over time. These leaks are listed in reverse-chronological (descending) order, with the newest at the top and older ones at the bottom.

Note: These leaks can sometimes contain contradictory information, as different sources claim different things. We can only be certain once the device is officially released to the public.

JPMorgan: Foldable iPhone Tipped for September 2026 Launch

July 29, 2025

JPMorgan expects Apple’s first foldable iPhone to debut in September 2026 with the iPhone 18 lineup. Priced around $1,999, it’s rumored to feature a crease‑free 7.8‑inch inner display, 5.5‑inch outer screen, titanium chassis, and Touch ID.

Foldable iPhone’s Display Sizes Leaked

July 22, 2025

TrendForce claims Apple’s first foldable iPhone will feature a 7.8‑inch inner display and a 5.5‑inch outer display. Launch is expected in the second half of 2026, with a crease‑free design and Touch ID power button.

iOS 27 to Focus on Foldable iPhone Features

July 21, 2025

Mark Gurman reports that iOS 27 will prioritize software tailored for Apple’s first foldable iPhone, expected in late 2026. The book‑style device will feature a 7.8‑inch inner screen, 5.5‑inch outer display, titanium hinge, and Touch ID in the side button. Regular iPhones will still see UI updates next year.

Foldable iPhone Price and Thickness Leak

July 16, 2025

UBS analysts expect Apple’s foldable iPhone to start between $1,800 and $2,000, making it the most expensive iPhone yet. On Weibo, Instant Digital claims it will measure around 4.8mm when unfolded, it’s slightly thicker than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7. The device is still on track for a 2026 launch.

Foldable iPhone to Feature ‘Crease-Free’ Display

July 15, 2025

Ming-Chi Kuo says Samsung Display will supply Apple with a custom “crease‑free” OLED panel for its foldable iPhone, using metal plates from Fine M‑Tec to manage stress during bending. The device is expected in late 2026 with a 7.8‑inch inner screen, 5.5‑inch outer display, and Touch ID side button.

Foldable iPhone Display Production Underway

July 9, 2025

ETNews reports that Samsung Display has begun producing OLED panels for Apple’s first foldable iPhone at its A3 factory in Korea. The device is expected in 2026 with a 7‑inch crease‑free screen, titanium hinge, and Touch ID side button, priced over $2,000.

Foldable iPhone Development Moves to Prototyping Phase

July 2, 2025

DigiTimes reports Apple’s foldable iPhone has entered the P1 prototyping stage with suppliers. It’s expected to complete testing by late 2025 and launch alongside the iPhone 18 lineup in fall 2026. Work on a foldable iPad is reportedly paused.

Foldable iPhone Leak Points to Dual 48MP Rear Cameras

June 26, 2025

Digital Chat Station claims Apple’s foldable iPhone will feature dual 48MP rear cameras, matching the iPhone 16 Pro’s main and ultra‑wide setup. The device is also expected to use a crease‑free hinge, Touch ID side button, and have under‑screen and hole‑punch front cameras for different modes.

Foldable iPhone Production to Begin This Fall for 2026 Launch

June 18, 2025

Ming-Chi Kuo says Foxconn will start producing Apple’s foldable iPhone by late September or October. Launching in fall 2026, it’s expected to feature a 5.5‑inch outer screen, 7.8‑inch inner display, near‑invisible crease, and Touch ID in the power button.

iPhone 18 Fold Launching Next Year With Two Key Advantages

June 4, 2025

Mark Gurman says Apple’s foldable iPhone will debut in 2026 with a nearly invisible crease and a high‑quality hinge. It’s expected to feature a 7.8‑inch inner display, 5.5‑inch outer screen, Touch ID in the power button, and a thinner titanium‑steel frame.

iPhone 18 Pro and Fold to Feature A20 Chip on 2nm Process

June 3, 2025

Jeff Pu says the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and Fold will use Apple’s new A20 chip built on TSMC’s 2nm process. It’s expected to be faster, more power‑efficient, and use advanced packaging that integrates RAM for better performance, battery life, and thermal management.

Foldable iPhone Outer Display to Feature Hole‑Punch Camera

May 15, 2025

Digital Chat Station claims Apple’s foldable iPhone will have a hole‑punch camera on its 5.5‑inch outer screen, while the 7.8‑inch inner display uses an under‑screen camera. Touch ID is said to be integrated into the side button.

Gurman: Foldable iPhone Expected by 2027

May 12, 2025

Mark Gurman says Apple’s first foldable iPhone should debut in late 2026, with most sales happening in 2027. It’s expected to have a nearly invisible crease, book‑style design, and a price around $2,000.

Apple’s Second Foldable iPhone Set for 2027 Launch, Claims Kuo

May 5, 2025

Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple’s second foldable iPhone will arrive in late 2027, following the first-gen model expected in 2026. The second version could launch alongside a redesigned Pro model for the iPhone’s 20th anniversary.

Foldable iPhone Said to Have Two Key Advantages

May 5, 2025

Mark Gurman reports Apple’s foldable iPhone will aim for two standout features: a nearly invisible crease for a smooth 7.8–8-inch inner display and a high-quality hinge built from titanium and stainless steel. The goal is to deliver a more seamless look and feel compared to current foldables.

Pro & Foldable iPhones Coming in Fall, Standard in Spring

May 3, 2025

According to The Information, Apple will shift its release cycle in 2026. Pro and foldable models will launch in fall, while standard iPhones move to spring 2027 to streamline production.

iPhone Fold Camera Leak Confirms Outer Display Setup

April 16, 2025

Apple’s foldable iPhone will have a dual-lens rear camera, under-screen camera for the main display, and a hole‑punch camera on the outer screen, according to yeux1122. The book‑style device, expected late 2026, will use Touch ID in the side button instead of Face ID to save space. Price is rumored to be $2,000–$2,300.

iPhone Fold Under‑Screen Camera Won’t Support Face ID

April 15, 2025

Apple’s foldable iPhone will use an under‑screen selfie camera on the main display, but it won’t include Face ID hardware, says Digital Chat Station. Instead, the phone is expected to rely on Touch ID in the side button to save internal space, a move also backed by analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo. The first‑gen model is set to launch late 2026 at around $2,000.

Foldable iPhone to Use Samsung OLED Panels Exclusively

April 15, 2025

Apple’s first foldable iPhone will rely solely on Samsung Display for its OLED panels, reports Business Korea. Apple skipped LG Display and BOE, citing Samsung’s lead in reducing screen creases. The device, expected late next year, will feature a 5.5-inch outer and 7.8-inch inner display, both nearly crease-free. Supply could surpass 15 million units annually.

Foldable iPhone Expected to Cost $2,100–$2,300, Exceeding Samsung’s Price

April 15, 2025

Weibo leaker Instant Digital claims Apple’s foldable iPhone will start between $2,100 and $2,300, roughly $200–$400 more than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold6. This makes it about $1,000 pricier than the current iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Foldable iPhone Screens Leak With Under-Screen and Punch-Hole Cameras

April 14, 2025

Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station reveals the foldable iPhone’s 7.76-inch inner display will have a 2713×1920 resolution with under-screen camera tech, while the 5.49-inch outer screen uses 2088×1422 resolution with a punch-hole camera. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo confirms these sizes and calls the inner screen crease-free.

iPhone Fold to Feature iPad-Style 4:3 Aspect Ratio, Says Chinese Leaker

March 28, 2025

Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station revealed Apple’s foldable iPhone will have a 4:3 aspect ratio on the inner display, matching iPad models for better software compatibility and multitasking. This aligns with analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s earlier confirmation of a 7.8-inch crease-free inner screen and a 5.5-inch outer screen.

iPhone Fold to Use Metallic Glass Hinge for Durability and Crease Reduction

March 27, 2025

Weibo leaker Instant Digital revealed Apple will use metallic glass, a super-strong, corrosion-resistant amorphous metal for the hinge of its foldable iPhone. This 2.5x harder-than-titanium material aims to improve hinge durability and reduce screen creasing for the “iPhone Fold.”

Gurman: Foldable iPhone Expected in 2026 With $2,000 Price Tag

March 24, 2025

Mark Gurman, in his Power On newsletter for Bloomberg, says Apple’s first foldable iPhone is on track for a 2026 launch with a starting price around $2,000. The book-style device has reportedly entered the New Product Introduction phase at Foxconn, with mass production planned for late 2026.

Kuo: Foldable iPhone to Use Liquid Metal Hinges for Durability

March 21, 2025

Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple will use liquid metal hinges in its foldable iPhone to improve durability and reduce screen creasing. Dongguan EonTec will be the exclusive supplier. The device is expected to launch in late 2026 with a book-style design.

Foldable iPhone to Prioritize Battery Life Despite Slim Design

March 21, 2025

According to Korean news aggregator yeux1122 on Naver, Apple is optimizing the display driver IC and other components to boost battery life while keeping the foldable iPhone thin.

Apple Improves Foldable Display Efficiency by Shrinking Driver IC

March 18, 2025

Weibo leaker Phone Chip Expert reports Apple has reduced the foldable display driver IC from 28nm to 16nm, boosting power efficiency and helping extend battery life in the upcoming foldable iPhone.

Foldable iPhone to Borrow Tech from iPhone 17 Air, Says Gurman

March 17, 2025

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone will use technology from the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, including display, battery, modem, and chip advancements. The device, expected in late 2026 or early 2027, aims for a book-style fold with a nearly crease-free screen, leveraging Apple’s latest innovations for performance and efficiency.

Kuo: Foldable iPhone to Launch Late 2026 With Book-Style Design

March 5, 2025

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts Apple’s first foldable iPhone will debut in late 2026 or early 2027 with a book-style design. It’s expected to feature a 7.8-inch crease-free inner display, a 5.5-inch cover display, titanium build, Touch ID on the side button, and a price tag starting above $2,000.

Apple’s 2026 Foldable iPhone Reportedly Crease-Free

February 25, 2025

ETNews reports Apple has nearly eliminated the display crease in its upcoming foldable iPhone, a breakthrough achieved with new materials. Supplier selection is set to wrap by April, with mass component production expected in the second half of 2025. Samsung Display will provide the OLED panels, Corning the ultra-thin glass, and Amphenol the hinge.

Alleged Display Sizes Leak for Foldable iPhone

February 21, 2025

Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station claims Apple’s foldable iPhone will feature a 5.49-inch outer screen (shorter and wider than Oppo’s Find N5) and a 7.74-inch inner display that unfolds like an iPad. Both are said to use “unprecedented aspect ratios.”

Apple Locks in Ultra-Thin Glass Supplier for Foldable iPhone

February 12, 2025

According to The Elec (via DigiTimes), Apple has tapped Lens Technology as the primary supplier of ultra-thin glass for its first foldable device. Production is set to ramp up in 2025, ahead of a rumored late 2026 launch. The UTG will feature a thinned central section for added durability.

Apple Nearing Final Choice of Supplier for Foldable iPhone Display

January 31, 2025

A report from Naver’s yeux1122 claims Apple is close to selecting a supplier for its foldable display, with a decision expected by April. The company is enforcing strict standards for thickness, durability, and crease prevention, signaling steady progress toward a foldable iPhone, potentially launching between 2026 and 2027.

Kuo: Foldable iPhone Still in Planning Stage, Timeline Unclear

January 10, 2025

Ming-Chi Kuo clarified that Apple’s foldable iPhone remains in the planning phase, despite earlier translation errors suggesting 2025 mass production. While the device could debut in late 2025 or 2026, its future hinges on design readiness and market considerations, with eSIM-only support also posing potential regional challenges.

Analyst: Apple’s 2026 Foldable iPhone Could Revive Declining Market

December 2, 2024

Display analyst Ross Young predicts Apple will debut its first foldable iPhone in late 2026, potentially sparking renewed interest in foldables. Expected to feature a 7.9–8.3 inch clamshell design, the device could boost the stagnating foldable market, with forecasts pointing to record growth when it launches.

Foldable iPhone Reportedly Adopting Clamshell Design Like Galaxy Z Flip

July 23, 2024

The Information reports Apple is developing a clamshell-style foldable iPhone, internally codenamed “V68,” targeting a 2026 launch. Similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip, the device faces challenges with crease removal, but supplier discussions suggest the project is moving forward.

Foldable iPhone Expected No Earlier Than 2027

June 3, 2024

TrendForce reports Apple is unlikely to release a foldable iPhone before 2027 as it continues to refine crease-free screens and durability. While late to the market, analysts believe Apple’s eventual entry could disrupt the foldable segment thanks to its strong brand and customer base.

Analyst Predicts Foldable iPhone Mass Production in 2026

May 6, 2024

Haitong analyst Jeff Pu claims Apple’s first foldable iPhone, with a 7.9–8.3 inch display, is set for mass production in late 2026. It will reportedly follow a larger 20.3-inch foldable iPad or MacBook arriving in 2025, marking Apple’s entry into foldable devices with a high-end iPhone line.

iPhone Fold Pushed to 2027 Amid Durability and Design Challenges

March 28, 2024

Reports from Alpha Biz and The Information suggest Apple has delayed the foldable iPhone to early 2027 due to supply issues and technical hurdles. Two clamshell-style prototypes are in testing, but concerns over screen creases, hinge design, and display durability have raised doubts about whether the project will move forward on schedule.

Foldable iPhone Reportedly Paused After Samsung Panels Fail Testing

February 16, 2024

A rumor from Fixed Focus Digital claims Apple has suspended foldable iPhone development after Samsung’s latest folding displays failed internal stress tests, breaking down within days. The project will remain on hold until a panel meets Apple’s durability standards, though work on a foldable iPad appears unaffected.

Apple Testing Two Foldable iPhone Prototypes, Earliest Launch in 2026

February 7, 2024

According to The Information, Apple is developing two clamshell-style foldable iPhone prototypes but hasn’t committed them to mass production. 2026 is the earliest possible launch, though the project could be scrapped if durability, hinge design, or feature set fails to meet Apple’s high standards.

Apple’s First Foldable Could Arrive in 2026, May Replace iPad Mini

February 2, 2024

A report from The Elec suggested Apple is targeting a 2026–2027 launch for its first foldable device, possibly a 7–8 inch model positioned to replace the iPad mini. Samsung and LG have been sending panel samples, but Apple is still finalizing specs, debating whether it will debut as a foldable iPhone or iPad.

Samsung Display Restructures Team to Focus on Apple’s Foldable Panels

December 11, 2023

According to The Elec, Samsung Display has reorganized its Apple division to streamline foldable panel development. Leveraging experience from its own foldable devices, Samsung is working alongside LG Display on panels that could be used in Apple’s future foldable iPhones, with earliest launch expectations still set for 2025 or later.

Apple Orders Large Batch of Samsung Foldable Displays for Testing

September 10, 2020

Leaker Ice Universe claimed Apple requested a “large number” of foldable phone display samples from Samsung for a year-long testing phase. The move suggested Apple was ramping up foldable iPhone development, building on earlier trials of Samsung’s flexible OLED technology.

Apple Teams Up With LG Display for Foldable iPhone Development

October 11, 2017

A Korean report claims Apple is working with LG Display on a foldable iPhone, avoiding Samsung due to concerns over tech leaks. LG has prototypes that fold like a book or roll like a scroll, and a dedicated team is reportedly developing a foldable OLED panel for Apple. Mass production isn’t expected until at least 2020.

LG Reportedly Supplying Foldable Displays for Future iPhones

December 16, 2016

A report from ETNews claimed LG would start mass-producing foldable OLED displays in 2018, with Apple among the companies set to receive them. While early prototypes showed book-like and rollable designs, the rumor suggested Apple was still exploring multiple iPhone concepts, including foldable options supported by its own patents.

That’s all we know for now. Will have to wait until fall 2026 for the iPhone Fold to launch to confirm any of these details. We’ll keep this page updated with the latest info, so stay tuned.