iPhone Fold: Everything We Know So Far About Apple’s First Foldable
Apple may be late to the foldable phone party, but signs strongly suggest it’s preparing to enter the game with the much-rumoured iPhone Fold — expected to launch in 2026, potentially alongside the iPhone 18 series. While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed anything, a steady stream of leaks and analyst reports paints a picture of what might be Apple’s biggest form-factor shift since the iPhone X.
Targeted Launch Timeline
Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple plans to begin mass production in the second half of 2026, with Foxconn assembling units starting in late Q3 or early Q4 of 2025. This gives Apple ample time to finalise component design and resolve engineering challenges — particularly around the hinge mechanism, which is reportedly still under development.
Samsung’s Role & Display Specs
Samsung Display is tipped to be the panel supplier for the iPhone Fold. Apple has allegedly ordered 7–8 million foldable panels annually, though it is unlikely that many units will be shipped in the first year. Analysts predict 15–20 million total shipments spread over a two-to-three-year lifecycle.
Leaks suggest that the iPhone Fold will adopt a book-style design, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. The foldable may feature a 7.8-inch internal display paired with a 5.5-inch cover screen, offering the familiarity of a phone and the utility of a small tablet.
Slim Design & Build Quality
One of the standout claims is the device’s slim profile — just 4.5mm when unfolded and around 9mm when folded. To achieve this, Apple may skip Face ID in favour of a side-mounted Touch ID sensor, a throwback to older iPhones and iPads.
Material choices may also play a role in slimming down the foldable. While Apple used titanium for the iPhone 15 Pro and is expected to revert to aluminium in the iPhone 17, the Fold might stick with titanium for added durability and lightness.
Cameras & Features
Reports indicate the iPhone Fold will come with dual rear cameras, as well as cameras on both the inner and outer screens. For selfies, a hole-punch front camera is expected, likely placed in the top-left corner — marking a departure from the Dynamic Island design seen in recent iPhones. This move may become a design standard across the iPhone 18 Pro lineup as Face ID shifts under the display.
The hinge could be a game-changer. Apple is rumoured to be working with liquid metal, a super-durable material that could help reduce the crease — a common problem with existing foldables.
Market Strategy & Outlook
The iPhone Fold will not only target the ultra-premium smartphone segment but could also serve dual corporate and military purposes, much like the upcoming Falcon 2000 jets Apple’s partner Reliance is working on. Apple appears to be positioning the device as more than just a flashy gadget — but a productivity and performance powerhouse.
Final Word
Until Apple confirms any of these details, everything should be taken with a grain of salt. However, with mounting evidence, 2026 could see Apple re-enter the innovation spotlight with the iPhone Fold — a product that could redefine its flagship strategy for years to come.
Stay tuned for more updates as we track Apple’s foldable journey.
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