iPhone Fold expected to get a 4:3 display like the iPad

Apple is working on a foldable iPhone. Initial details about the so-called iPhone Fold have been revealed by leakers and analysts. Particularly striking is the 4:3 display, reminiscent of an iPad. There are also concrete hints about the materials, cameras, and possible price.

Foldable smartphones are nothing new – Samsung, Huawei, and Honor have long had models on the market. Apple has been holding back so far, but now seems to be getting serious. Initial credible information suggests that Apple is planning a foldable iPhone that differs significantly from previous concepts. The focus is on an iPad-sized display combined with typical Apple hardware and software integration. The goal is apparently a device that fits seamlessly into the existing ecosystem and is suitable for multitasking and productive work.

Display: 4:3 format like the iPad

According to Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station, the iPhone Fold's inner display will have an aspect ratio of approximately 4:3. This would mean Apple would adopt the format of its iPad models, which have maintained this aspect ratio for years. A 4:3 display offers a balanced view in both portrait and landscape orientation. It is well suited for reading, browsing, or split-screen applications. The outer display will be 5.5 inches, while the inner foldable screen will be 7.8 inches. This would make the device roughly the size of an iPad mini when unfolded. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the inner display will also be "crease-free" – meaning there will be no visible crease in the middle, as is the case with many other foldable devices (via Weibo).

Titanium case and metal glass hinge

There are also specific details about the casing. The iPhone Fold is said to be made of a titanium alloy. This alloy is particularly light and robust, already used in the Apple Watch Ultra and will also be used in the iPhone 16 Pro. The hinge is said to be made of so-called metal glass—a material that is both stable and flexible and should increase the longevity of the folding mechanism.

Cameras for both conditions

According to Kuo, the device will have a dual camera on the back. There will also be a front-facing camera that works both when the phone is folded and unfolded. This allows for selfies, video calls, and FaceTime in any position.

Touch ID instead of Face ID

Face ID will apparently not be used on the iPhone Fold. Instead, Apple is said to be installing a Touch ID sensor in the side power button. The reason for this is likely space constraints: A Face ID module requires more internal space, which Apple wants to save on a foldable device. Touch ID is now technically mature and allows for fast and secure authentication.

Focus on AI and multitasking

Apple wants to position the iPhone Fold as an AI-powered smartphone. The larger screen should ensure that AI-supported features—such as multitasking or automated processes—can be used more efficiently. Further details on the AI features are not yet known, but the trend fits with current developments surrounding artificial intelligence in mobile devices.

Price and market launch

According to current estimates, the price will be between $2,000 and $2,500. This would put the iPhone Fold in the upper premium segment – similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman expects Apple to unveil the foldable iPhone next year.

Apple's foldable iPhone: design, technology and launch

iPhone Fold – Apple’s next device class

The iPhone Fold will be no ordinary iPhone. With a 4:3 internal display, high-quality materials, a familiar authentication system, and a focus on AI, Apple is aiming for a new usage scenario – somewhere between the iPhone and iPad. Whether this will actually happen remains to be seen, but the initial leaks and estimates point to a well-thought-out concept. If you're looking for more information about the iPhone Fold or want to know when the device will be officially unveiled, it's worth staying tuned over the next few months. Apple could be taking the next big step here. (Photo by Plinsboorg / Bigstockphoto)