Apple has always taken its time when it comes to trends, and the upcoming iPhone Fold is a perfect illustration of that approach. While foldable phones have been on the market for quite some time, Apple seems poised to step in only when it can truly elevate the experience. According to the latest leaks and detailed reports, we can expect Apple’s first folding iPhone to debut around September 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 series, or perhaps even in early 2027.
What makes this device so thrilling isn’t just its ability to fold—it’s the innovative way Apple plans to make it happen.
A Design That Feels More iPad Than Phone
Instead of copying the tall and narrow approach seen on many foldables, Apple is going in a completely different direction. The iPhone Fold is rumored to feature a wide, square-like form factor, closer to the proportions of an iPad Mini than a traditional smartphone.
When closed, the outer display is expected to measure 5.5 inches, noticeably wider than most competing foldables. Open it up, and you’re looking at a 7.7- to 8-inch internal display, offering a tablet-like experience that feels natural rather than stretched or cramped.
Despite the larger footprint, Apple is pushing extreme thinness. The device is said to be just 4.8 mm thin when unfolded, which is impressive even by foldable standards. The trade-off? A slightly heavier body, estimated between 240 g and 250 g, putting it close to the weight of an iPhone 14 Pro Max.
To maintain a premium feel, Apple is expected to use a titanium frame, possibly introducing bold finishes like a “Real Chrome Gold” color option.
The Crease Problem—Solved the Apple Way
One of the biggest complaints about foldable phones has always been the visible crease. Apple reportedly sees this as unacceptable—and is engineering its way around it.
At the heart of the solution is a revolutionary liquid metal hinge, a specialized mix of metal and glass that’s claimed to be 2.5 times stronger than titanium. Interestingly, this hinge technology is said to be the result of a collaboration between Apple and Samsung, blending manufacturing expertise with Apple’s obsession for refinement.
The result? A display where the crease is expected to be completely invisible, not just reduced. If Apple pulls this off, it could instantly set a new benchmark for foldable displays.
The internal screen will reportedly use a 4:3 aspect ratio, a smart move that avoids awkward black bars and makes content like YouTube videos and cinematic playback feel far more natural.
Cameras and Biometrics: Thinness Comes First
Despite being Apple’s most premium iPhone yet, the Fold may surprise camera enthusiasts. To keep the body slim, Apple is expected to use a dual-camera system on the back, featuring a 48MP main sensor and a 48MP ultra-wide lens.
In total, the device could feature four cameras—two on the rear, one on the cover display, and one on the internal screen. The internal camera may use an under-display setup, though early prototypes suggest it could still rely on a discreet hole-punch.
Perhaps the biggest shift is in biometrics. Current leaks suggest Face ID may be completely removed on the iPhone Fold. With no Dynamic Island on the internal display, Apple is rumored to bring back Touch ID, integrated into the power button—something many users have quietly missed.
Power, Battery, and a More iPad-Like UI
Under the hood, the iPhone Fold is expected to run on Apple’s next-generation silicon, likely the A20 or A21 Pro chip, paired with 12GB of RAM. Connectivity will be handled by Apple’s own C2 modem, continuing the company’s push toward full hardware independence.
Battery capacity is rumored to sit around 5000 mAh, using a standard lithium-ion design. While it may not adopt newer silicon-carbon technology, Apple seems confident it can balance performance and endurance through software optimization.
Speaking of software, this is where things get really interesting. The Fold’s UI is expected to feel closer to iPadOS than iOS, complete with a menu bar and enhanced multitasking. There’s even talk of Apple Pencil support, which would make the Fold a powerful tool for creatives and professionals.
Pricing and Apple’s Bigger Strategy
There’s no sugarcoating it—the iPhone Fold will be expensive. Current estimates suggest a price of around $2,500 globally, translating to roughly ₹2.1–₹2.3 lakh in India. Even conservative reports place the starting price at $2,000 or more.
But Apple isn’t aiming to be the cheapest—or the first. The company’s strategy is clear: release a refined foldable that fixes the biggest issues seen in current devices, from visible creases to awkward screen ratios.
🔹 Key Highlights at a Glance
Wide fold design that feels like an iPad Mini when opened
7.8-inch internal display with a practical 4:3 aspect ratio
Ultra-thin 4.8 mm body when unfolded
Liquid metal hinge designed to eliminate the display crease
Titanium frame with premium new color options
Touch ID returns, replacing Face ID
An A20/A21 Pro chip with 12 GB RAM
iPadOS-like software experience with multitasking
Around $2,500 price tag, Apple’s most expensive iPhone yet
Apple iPhone Fold verdict:
The iPhone Fold isn’t just Apple’s take on foldable phones; it’s their bold step towards perfecting them. With a seamless display, proportions reminiscent of an iPad, and a completely reimagined software experience, this device feels less like a trial run and more like a glimpse into the future. If the rumors are accurate, Apple’s first foldable could quickly become the most refined—and most buzzed-about—folding smartphone ever created.
Leave a Reply