Apple has never been in a hurry to chase trends, and the company’s approach to foldable phones seems to follow the same script. While Android brands rushed to put folding screens in consumers’ hands, Apple spent years watching from the sidelines, refining ideas quietly. That wait may finally be coming to an end. Based on mounting supply-chain signals and multiple industry reports, Apple’s first foldable iPhone is now widely expected to arrive in 2026, which would be one of the biggest design changes in the iPhone’s history. Here are all the leaked details about the upcoming iPhone.
iPhone Fold launch in 2026: Leaked price, battery, design, display and other details
Design
The device, commonly referred to as the iPhone Fold, is expected to open like a book, unfolding horizontally into a larger screen rather than flipping vertically. This form factor suggests Apple is targeting users who want a phone that can double up as a small tablet, instead of a compact fashion-first device. Analysts tracking the product say the phone could remain relatively slim for a foldable, with thickness estimates pointing to under 10mm when closed and under 5mm when opened. Button placement is also said to be changing, with volume controls moving to the top edge, while the power button remains on the side, a layout that mirrors Apple’s recent tablet designs.
Display, creases, build quality
Screens are expected to be the centrepiece of Apple’s foldable strategy. When folded shut, the outer display is tipped to sit around the 5.3- to 5.5-inch mark, giving users a familiar smartphone experience. Open the device, and the inner display could stretch close to 7.7 or 7.8 inches, pushing the iPhone into iPad-like territory. Reports suggest Apple is experimenting with stronger protective layers over the foldable panel, combining ultra-thin glass with advanced polymer films to improve durability without compromising clarity.
One of the biggest challenges with foldable phones has been the visible crease along the fold. Here, Apple is believed to be taking an aggressive engineering approach. Industry watchers say the company is using a reinforced metal plate beneath the display to manage stress when the screen bends. The hinge itself is said to rely on liquid metal components, a material Apple has used before for its strength and resistance to deformation. If these reports hold true, Apple may be aiming to minimise the crease to the point where it is barely noticeable during everyday use.
Build quality is another area where Apple appears unwilling to cut corners. The foldable iPhone is expected to use a titanium-based frame, paired with a hinge made from a mix of premium metals. The objective, according to analysts, is to avoid flexing and long-term wear issues that have affected some early foldable devices from other brands.
Camera
Camera hardware on the iPhone Fold is likely to stay consistent with Apple’s current philosophy, like fewer sensors, tuned carefully. Leaks point to a dual rear camera setup, with both lenses reportedly using 48-megapixel sensors. On the front, Apple is expected to include separate cameras for folded and unfolded use. Some reports suggest the inner screen may hide its camera beneath the display, while the outer screen could feature a small punch-hole cutout.
No Face ID?
To make space for the folding mechanism and a larger battery, Apple is also expected to skip Face ID on this model. Instead, Touch ID built into the side button is tipped to make a return, offering biometric security without taking up additional internal room. On the connectivity side, the phone is expected to rely on Apple’s in-house C2 modem, continuing the company’s move away from Qualcomm chips. The device is also likely to be eSIM-only, with no physical SIM tray.
Any battery details?
Battery life could be a quiet highlight. Reports from the supply chain claim Apple is working with high-density battery cells and slimming internal components to fit more capacity inside the chassis. If accurate, the iPhone Fold could house the largest battery ever used in an iPhone, a necessary step given the power demands of a large folding display.
Colours, prices (leaked)
In terms of looks, Apple is said to be keeping things simple, at least initially. Current testing reportedly focuses on black and white colour options, with no confirmation yet on bolder finishes. Pricing, however, is expected to be anything but restrained. Estimates suggest the foldable iPhone could cost anywhere between $1,800 and $2,500 in the US, firmly placing it in the ultra-premium category and making it the most expensive iPhone to date.
iPhone Fold: Any launch date yet?
As for the launch timeline, the device could make its debut in September 2026, as per leaks. It is believed to have moved into advanced development stages at Foxconn, with mass production targeted for the second half of 2026. While delays into 2027 are still possible if Apple fine-tunes key components like the hinge, reporters at Bloomberg expect Apple to aim for a fall 2026 debut, in line with its traditional launch window.
