Apple is poised to join the foldable smartphone market soon, making it the final major player to do so. Samsung led the way with the original Galaxy Fold in 2019. Now, Apple is rumored to be working on the iPhone Fold, which could be a game-changer in the industry.
While Apple has not officially confirmed the existence of the foldable iPhone, various reports have surfaced online, hinting at what the device might offer.
The iPhone Fold, potentially also known as the iPhone “Ultra,” is expected to feature a unique design unlike anything Apple has produced before. It is rumored to sport a book-style form factor with a spacious 7.8-inch OLED display, distinguishing it from competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The internal screen may have a slight crease, while the external display is likely to be a 5.5-inch OLED panel.
Reports suggest that the iPhone Fold will introduce a LiquidMetal hinge for enhanced durability, a first for Apple. The device may feature a titanium frame complemented by a ceramic shield or glass backplate. It is speculated that the foldable iPhone could replace Face ID with a Touch ID sensor on the power button to maintain a slim profile. Both screens are expected to incorporate punch-hole selfie cameras.
In terms of performance, the iPhone Fold is anticipated to be powered by Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro processor, built on a 2nm process for improved efficiency and speed compared to its predecessors. It may come with 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. The device could house a sizable battery with a capacity ranging from 5,400 to 5,800mAh, the largest ever in an iPhone, and is likely to support eSIM technology exclusively.
The iPhone Fold could feature a quad-camera setup, including a 48-megapixel main camera and a 48-megapixel ultrawide lens on the rear. Details about the selfie cameras remain uncertain, particularly whether they will adopt the new 18-megapixel center stage sensor seen in the iPhone 17 series.
Despite its large inner screen, the foldable iPhone is expected to run on iOS rather than iPadOS. It is projected to support side-by-side app usage with updated layouts and sidebars similar to iPad functionality, potentially integrated in iOS 27.
Apple is anticipated to launch the iPhone Fold alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026. However, due to production challenges, the iPhone Fold’s availability may be delayed compared to the Pro models, a strategy reminiscent of the iPhone X launch with the iPhone 8 series. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 is projected to debut in early 2027 alongside the iPhone 18e and the next-gen iPhone Air.
Pricing details for the iPhone Fold are currently unclear, but speculations suggest it could range between $2,000 and $2,400 in the US.