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Apple is working on a foldable iPhone. Although the company itself hasn't released any official information yet, there are now numerous leaks and analyst reports that paint a fairly clear picture of the current development status. The device is currently referred to as the "iPhone Fold" and is scheduled for release in 2026. New information about the camera on the outer display is particularly exciting.
Foldable smartphones are now available from several manufacturers—Samsung, Huawei, Google, and Oppo. Apple has taken its time with this, but, as usual, the company is apparently working on a well-thought-out solution. In recent months, evidence of a foldable iPhone has grown. Analysts such as Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu provide insights into the development process. The current status: An iPhone Fold is in the works, and the camera will have a design based on existing foldables.
Display sizes and form factor
The iPhone Fold is said to be able to fold like a book. According to recent leaks, the internal display measures 7.8 inches when unfolded. What's special about it is that the display is said to be completely crease-free, which would be a clear distinguishing feature from many current foldables. The external display, which you see when the device is closed, is said to be 5.5 inches. This puts it in a similar size range to the front display of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 or Pixel Fold.
Camera system: New information about the front camera
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone Fold will feature a dual camera on the back. The front camera will work both when the phone is unfolded and folded. Until now, it was unclear how exactly Apple intends to implement this. There were rumors of an under-display camera (USC) for the inner screen. Now there's an update. A Korean tech blog, citing a source on Weibo, reports that Apple has opted for a front camera with a punch-hole for the outer display. The design is said to be almost identical to that seen on current foldables like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Whether the hole will remain permanently visible or be integrated into a kind of dynamic island is not yet known.
No Face ID, instead Touch ID
Face ID is not expected to be used on the iPhone Fold. Instead, Apple is expected to integrate a Touch ID function into the side button. This move would save space in the casing, which is always an issue with foldable devices. It would be the first iPhone since the SE to return to fingerprint sensors – in a modern form.
Production status and release schedule
According to Kuo, the final specifications for the iPhone Fold will be determined in the second quarter of 2025 – between April and June. This suggests that some components and technical details are still subject to change. At the same time, analyst Jeff Pu reports that the iPhone Fold has already reached the so-called NPI (New Product Introduction) phase at Foxconn. This is a key step in Apple's product development cycle. It marks the transition from prototype to near-production version. Mass production is currently planned for the fourth quarter of 2026. The market launch is expected for the end of 2026, which suggests that Apple is planning a staggered preparation and testing phase (via Blog Naver).
Price and outlook for the second generation
The price of the first iPhone Fold is expected to be between $2,000 and $2,300. This clearly positions Apple in the premium segment. It's a high-end device for tech enthusiasts and early adopters. Interestingly, according to several reports, a second model is already in the planning stages. The second generation of the iPhone Fold is scheduled to enter mass production in the second half of 2027. Thus, Apple appears to be pursuing the foldable concept for the long term and not just viewing it as a one-off project.
The iPhone Fold is taking shape
The iPhone Fold is on its way. Even though Apple hasn't released any official details yet, recent leaks and analyst assessments paint a clear picture. A foldable display with no visible crease, a sophisticated camera architecture with a punch-hole front camera, Touch ID on the side instead of Face ID – all this sounds like a device that's focused on practicality and user experience. The price will be high, but that's never been different for Apple products in the premium segment. If you're interested in foldable smartphones, you should keep the iPhone Fold on your radar. (Photo by seveniwe / Bigstockphoto)
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