iPhone Fold: First details about the under-display camera

The iPhone Fold is considered one of the most exciting projects in Apple's current product development. After years of rumors and concept ideas, evidence is mounting that Apple is indeed working on a foldable iPhone. According to a new analysis by JP Morgan, the device will feature an industry-first 24-megapixel camera under the display. This innovation could make Apple's entry into the foldable market a technological game-changer.

Apple has taken its time responding to the foldable smartphone trend. While Samsung, Huawei, and other manufacturers have already released several generations of foldable devices, Apple seems to be opting for a later, but all the more ambitious, entry. The focus appears to be on a sophisticated design, high-quality camera technology, and an overall more compact device that aims to strike a balance between innovation and everyday usability. A report from JP Morgan now provides new details that paint a clearer picture of what the iPhone Fold might look like and how it could function.

A 24-megapixel camera under the display

The most striking feature of the upcoming iPhone Fold is the camera, which is reportedly located directly under the display. According to the report, this under-display camera is the first sensor of its kind with 24 megapixels – a value significantly higher than current solutions from competitors. With other manufacturers, the resolution of such cameras is typically between 4 and 8 megapixels, as the image quality is affected by the layers of the display.

However, Apple appears to have found a way to significantly improve light transmission. This should allow the camera to deliver sharp, detailed, and color-accurate images despite its position below the display. The report also mentions that Apple uses six plastic lens elements to optimize image quality. This suggests a comprehensive technical adaptation specifically tailored to the challenges of this design.

Four cameras for different usage scenarios

According to several sources, the iPhone Fold will have a total of four cameras. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo mentions a dual rear camera and a front camera that works both when folded and unfolded. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg confirms this assessment and adds that it will be a combination of a front camera, an internal camera, and two rear cameras.

A report from Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station suggests that the two main rear cameras will each have a 48-megapixel resolution. This should allow the device to meet high standards in photography. The under-display camera will be used for the inner screen, while the outer display – i.e., when the device is closed – will feature a punch-hole camera. This combination allows the device to be used flexibly in both smartphone and tablet modes.

Compromises for a compact design

Despite the new technology, Apple is apparently making some compromises. According to JP Morgan, the company is foregoing LiDAR and optical image stabilization to keep the device as compact as possible. This distinguishes the iPhone Fold somewhat from previous iPhone Pro models, which are equipped with such sensors.

The decision to use an under-display camera and a slim design demonstrates Apple's focus on everyday usability and a clean design language. The company is also breaking new ground with biometric authentication: instead of Face ID, the iPhone Fold will use Touch ID, integrated into the side button. This leaves the display area completely free of cutouts or notches.

Market launch and possible delays

The release date for the iPhone Fold is still undecided. According to Mark Gurman, the market launch is currently expected in the fall of next year. However, the Japanese investment bank Mizuho Securities believes the launch could be delayed until 2027. The reason for this is reportedly unresolved issues surrounding the hinge design and other key construction elements. Apple appears to be taking more time to ensure that the folding mechanism meets its own quality standards.

Technological progress and strategic importance

The move to a foldable iPhone is not just a technical decision, but also a strategic one. Apple is entering a segment that has so far been dominated primarily by Android manufacturers, and at the same time is trying to overcome the typical weaknesses of foldable devices – such as the fragility of the displays or the mediocre camera performance.

With its 24-megapixel under-display camera and a total of four lenses, Apple could position the iPhone Fold in a way that clearly distinguishes it from previous foldable devices. The combination of high image quality, innovative design, and Apple's familiar software ecosystem should give the device a special status in the premium segment.

The iPhone Fold as a symbol of Apple's next design phase

The iPhone Fold is already shaping up to be one of the most ambitious projects in Apple's recent history. The planned 24-megapixel under-display camera, the flexible quad-camera system, and the abandonment of traditional sensors in favor of a slim design demonstrate that Apple is interpreting the concept of a foldable smartphone in its own unique way.

Even if the market launch is delayed, the JP Morgan report indicates that Apple is determined to take a leading role in this new device category. The iPhone Fold could not only open a new chapter in iPhone history but also set standards for how foldable smartphones should look and function in the future. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Photo by seveniwe / Bigstockphoto)